THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

GIFT  OF 

Commodore  Byron  McCandless 


Hoitting  tkt  "Stars  and  Siripe*"  on  board  the  Crt/wer 


THE 


AMERICAN    CRUISER'S 

OWN    BOOK. 

BY  CAPT.  GEO.  LITTLE, 

AUTHOR     OF     LIFE     ON     THE     OCEAN. 


ILLUSTRATIONS    BY    BILLINGS. 


NEW-YORK: 
NAFIS    &    CORNISH. 
ST.  LOUIS,  Mo. :— VAN  DEIN  &  McDONALD. 
1849. 


INTRODUCTION 


la  presenting  this  work  to  the  public,  an  apology  may  be 
due  to  them  from  the  Author,  for  intruding  again  so  soon  upon 
their  notice.     There  are,  however,  two  considerations  which 
have  induced  him :  the  first  is  the  rapid  sale  and  extensive  cir 
culation  of  his  "Life  on  the  Ocean  "-and  the  second,  that  he 
believes  there  is  no  work  extant  which  describes  correctly  the 
operations,  of  private  and  armed  vessels  of  war  connected  with 
American  history.    The  Author  was  personally  connected  with 
many  of  the  scenes  that  are  herein  described,  and  therefore  can 
.nswer  for  their  veracity..  There  is  a  part  of  them,  however  for 
wh,ch  he  is  indebted  to  verbal  statements,  and  what  he  could 
glean  from  the  log  book  of  the  Cruiser.     He  claims  no  farther 
ment  for  this  work  than  that  which  a  plain  and  unvarnished 
description  of  nautical  life  and  naval  warfare,  founded  on  truth 
as  deduced  from  real  life,  entitles  him  to.    He  has,  however' 
endeavored  to  make  this  work  beneficial  to  his  brother  tars  by 
onveymg  lessons  of  instruction,  that  they  may  avoid  those  rocks 
1  shoals  upon  which  so  many  sons  of  the  Ocean  have  been 
>cked  and  cast  away.    And  now,  in  conclusion,  the  Author 
nay  be  permitted  to  observe,  that  he  hopes  the  veil  of  charity 
1  be.  thrown  over  any  error*  or  imperfections  that  may  occur 
this,  work,  and  that  they  will  be  attributed  either  to  his  pecu- 
*  affliction,  or  to  the  errors  of  hia  head,  and  not  those  of  his 
heart 

1  HE  AUTHOR. 

7 


7S 


CONTENTS. 


• 
CHAP.  PAGE. 

1.  Excitement  in  New- York  in  1812,          ...          11 

2.  The  Two  Seamen  enter  on  Board  the  Privateer,  for  the 

Cruise,  etc., 20 

3.  The  Privateer  and  her  Crew,         ....          29 

4.  The  Supper, 39 

5.  The  Anchor  Watch,  Conversation  between  the  Two 

.Seamen,  .  50 

6.  Morning  Duty,  Preparations  for  Sea,  Stations,  etc.,         59 

7.  Reflections,  Getting  under  way,  First  Night  out,  etc.,      72 

8.  Description  of  the  Officers,  The  Force  of  the  Cruiser, 

The  Chase,  etc., 81 

9.  The   Young   Seaman's  Narrative  Commenced,   All 

Hands  to  Mischief,  etc.,  .         .         .         .         98 

10.  Chase,  Engagement,  Capture  of  a  British  Brig,  etc.,       110 

11.  Portuguese  Brig,  and  Prisoners  Released,     .        .         120 

12.  The  Young  Seaman's  Narrative  Continued,  .         132 

13.  A  Gale  of  Wind, '140 

14.  Saturday  Night,  etc., 149 

15.  Swedish  Brig,  Capture  of  a  British  Schooner  and  Brig,  160 

16.  The  Squall,  the  Young  Seaman's  Narrative  Continued,  167 

17.  Capture  of  a  British  Letter  of  Marque,          .        .        174 

18.  A  Dash  at  the  Fleet,  183 

19.  Disaffection  of  the  Crew,  Ludicrous  Story  from  Jimmy,  195 

20.  Boarding  at  Night, 206 

21.  The  Young  Seaman's  Narrative  Continued,  .        216 

22.  The  Scotch  Prize 227 

23.  The  Engagement  with  a  British  Packet,        .        .        237 


Vi  CONTENTS. 

24.  Arrival  at  the  Cruising  Ground,             .         »         •  246 

25.  Chops  of  the  Channel,  Fog,  etc.             .        ".    .   ,.  '  255 

26.  Young  Seaman's  Narrative  Continued,         . . .-     „  265 

27.  Important  Information  of  the  West  India  and  Medi 

terranean  Fleet  of  Merchantmen,      .         .         .  275 

28.  The  Young  Seaman's  Narrative  Concluded,           .-  284 

29.  Capture  of  a  British  Brig  in  a  Fog,  wiih  the  Boats,  295 

30.  The  Doom  of  the  Cruiser, 305 

31.  Treatment  of  the  American   Prisoners,   Arrival   in 

Plymouth, 317 

32.  March  to  Stapleton, 329 

33.  Description  of  the  Prisons.  French  Prisoners,  etc.,  337 

34.  The  Transfer  to  Dartmoor  Prison,  etc.,          .         .  346 

35.  Description  of  Dartmoor  Prison,             .         .         .  354 

36.  News  of  the  Peace,  Conversation  between  the  Boat 

swain  and  Young  Seaman,        .                          .    '  362 

37.  The  Massacre,  Boatswain's  Leg  Shot  off,       .         .  370 

38.  Conclusion,           .         .         .  385 


THE   AMERICAN   CRUISER. 


CHAPTER    I. 


EXCITEMENT  IN  NEW  YORK    IN  1812. 

IN  the  autumn  of  1812  (a  period  that  will  long  be 
remembered  in  the  annals  of  American  history,)  the 
city  of  New  York  presented  a  universal  scene  of  ex 
citement  and  commotion  :  every  square,  avenue,  street, 
lane  and  alley,  from  the  highest  location,  where  may 
yet  be  seen  the  splendid  mansion  of  the  wealthy  mer 
chant,  and  where  the  luxurious  man  of  fortune  drives 
his  liveried  equipage,  to  the  lowliest  retreats  of  the 
laboring  citizens,  gave  evidence  of  a  profound  sen. 
sation.  A  stranger  might  have  seen  the  Park  crowded 
with  anxious  faces.  All,  men,  women,  and  children, 
partook  of  the  general  feeling  of  suspense  and  tumult 
consequent  upon  the  unusual  position  which  the  country 
sustained.  In  the  most  degraded  haunts  of  squalid 
mendicity  and  the  obscure  sections  where  misery 

11 


12  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

and  poverty,  (though  less  vicious,)  dwell,  the  excite 
ment  was  at  its  height.  As  you  approached  the 
extreme  east  and  north  parts  of  the  city,  you  might 
have  seen  numerous  artisans  busily  engaged  in  con 
structing  both  public  and  private  armed  vessels  of  war, 
and  the  merry  and  cheering  sound  of  the  axe,  saw  and 
hammer,  saluted  the  ear  until  its  sounds  died  away  in 
the  distance ;  and  then  bending  your  way  towards 
Cherry  and  Water  streets,  you  might  have  beheld 
numerous  crowds  of  seamen,  while  at  every  corner  was 
hung  out  the  American  ensign,  indicating  places  of  ren 
dezvous,  and  from  almost  every  house  might  be  heard 
sounds  of  music,  the  merry  dance  and  the  jovial  laugh  : 
nor  were  the  old  tars  alone.  All  then  wore  the  costume 
of  a  sailor,  for  the  recent  successes  of  our  navy  and 
privateers  on  the  ocean,  over  those  who  had  hitherto 
been  considered  invincible  masters  of  the  deep,  gave  a 
brilliancy  to  the  vocation  of  a  sea  life,  in  which  all  now 
seemed  anxious  to  embark,  either  for  the  purpose  of 
emolument  or  honor.  Ranging  along  the  course  of  the 
East  and  North  Rivers,  the  eye  met  piers  and  quays, 
crowded  with  vessels  of  every  description,  whose  high 
masts  resembled  the  splendid  panorama  of  a  dense 
forest  of  trees;  while  the  unruffled  placidity  of  the 
stream  exhibited  on  its  bosom  a  magnificent  vessel  of 
war,  or  a  privateer,  the  finest  specimen  of  naval  arch 
itecture  in  the  world. 

It  was  one  of  those  clear  and  bland  days  in  Sep 
tember,  which  so  frequently  marks  an  Americac 
autumn;  the  sun  had  declined  far  to  the  west,  and 


THE    AMEKIOAN    UKUISEB.  13 

the  clouds  wore  a  rich  drapery  of  brown  and  yellow, 
which  cast  a  shade  of  mellowed  softness  on  the 
heavens,  reflecting  on  the  polished  surface  of  the 
water  a  variety  of  images  and  forms  which  an  in 
ventive  imagination  might  have  personified  into  living 
existences,  the  whole  corresponding  to  the  universal 
quiet  of  the  elements,  strongly  contrasting  with  the 
living,  moving  mass  of  human  beings  which  then 
crowded  the  Battery.  There  stood  a  group,  who  by 
their  conversation  appeared  to  be  merchants  of  the 
first  class,  discussing  with  great  warmth  the  politics 
of  the  day,  the  merits  of  the  war,  and  the  relative 
strength  and  condition  as  well  as  the  chance  of  suc 
cess  of  the  two  contending  parties.  Another  group, 
by  their  looks  and  conversation,  seemed  wrought  up 
to  the  highest  pitch  of  enthusiasm  by  a  recent  victory 
of  our  navy ;  they  fearlessly  avowed  that  no  doubt 
now  remained  of  the  Americans  being  able  to  cope 
with  the  British  by  sea  as  well  as  on  -the  land.  A 
third,  no  less  sanguine  but  infinitely  more  calculating, 
had  in  prospect  already  swept  the  ocean  of  British 
cruisers,  annihilated  their  armies,  taken  possession  of 
Canada,  and  by  their  own  valor  and  prowess  acquired 
a  fortune. 

As  this  conversation  was  being  carried  on  by  the 
several  parties  mentioned,  a  crowd  had  gathered  round 
two  fine-looking  seamen,  who  stood  leaning  against  the 
rail  or  barrier  of  the  Battery,  and  who  had  been  cir 
cumstantially  detailing  all  the  incidents  connected  with 
a  short  but  successful  cruise  in  a  privateer,  while  the 
2 


14  ME    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

gaping  multitude,*  with  mouth,  eyes  and  ears  opened, 
swallowed  every  -word,  receiving  it  as  pure  gospel 
truth.  These  men  of  the  ocean  were  dressed  with  the 
entire  costume  of  sailors;  their  whole  rig  wore  the 
appearance  of  perfect  cleanliness  and  studied  neatness, 
the  blue  jacket  and  snow-white  trousers,  with  plaited 
bosom  shirt  contrasting  with  a  black  silk  handkerchief 
tied  hi  a  sailor's  knot,  the  long  ends  flowing  loosely  in 
front,  and  the  neat  tarpaulin  hat ;  these,  together  with 
their  manly  appearance  and  perfect  sobriety,  imme 
diately  inspired  the  belief  that  they  were  seamen  of  a 
higher  class.  The  elder  of  the  two  appeared  to  be 
about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  finely  proportioned, 
stout,  strong,  with  a  broad  chest,  brawny  limbs,  and  a 
face  which  was  bronzed  with  the  burning  sun  of  the 
tropics,  and  a  frame  that  seemed  to  defy  the  ravages 
of  time,  or  the  hardships  and  privations  of  an  ocean 
life.  The  other,  a  handsome  young  man,  who  appeared 
to  be  about  twenty-five  years  of  age,  whose  high,  bold 
forehead,  piercing  black  eyes,  faultless  features,  and 
manly  bearing,  impressed  you  at  once  with  the  char 
acter  of  chivalry  and  deeds  of  daring.  When  the 
narration  was  concluded,  they  both  fixed  a  search 
ing  gaze  upon  a  long,  low,  rakish-looking  privateer, 
which  lay  off  in  the  stream.  After  the  practised  eye 
of  the  two  had  scanned  the  Cruiser,  from  the  water- 
line  to  the  truck,  the  elder  seaman,  addressing  his 
companion  with  apparent  delight,  observed: 

"  That  is  a  noble  craft ;  what  a  run  !     There  is  no 
drag  under  that  counter.     What  an  entrance  !     Look 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  17 

at  the  luff  of  that  bow :  she  breaks  the  water  at  the 
forward  part  of  the  forechains  ;  what  rakes  she  has  to 
her  masts,  and  that  fore-yard  is  square  enough  for  a 
thirty-two  gun  frigate  ;  and  there  is  canvass  sufficient 
in  that  sauare-sail  to  dress  a  merchantman  of  her 
size  with  a  fufl  suit.  What  do  you  think  of  her, 

messmate  ?  " 

"  Why,"  replied  the  young  seaman,  "your  long  ex 
perience  and  better  judgment  in  the  good  or  bad 
qualities  of  any  craft,  is  a  sufficient  assurance  f  .r  me  ; 
but  if  I  were  to  give  an  opinion  of  that  vessel,  it 
would  be  that  she  is  a  perfect  model,  and  just  the 
one  for  a  cruiser.  But  what  is  she,  what  is  her 
name  ?  "  continued  the  young  seaman  warmly. 

«  Why,  have  you  been  in  York  a  fortnight  and  have 
not  heard  of  that  famous  Cruiser,  and  her  successful 
cruise  !  "  replied  the  old  seaman.  "Why,"  continued 
he,  «  she  captured  a  large  English  West  Indiamau 
and  two  brigs :  and  what  is  better,  the  ship  and  one 
brig  got  in  safe,  and  d'ye  see,  each  share  amounted  to 
four  hundred  dollars,  a  pretty  little  sum,  lad,  for  a 
forty  days'  cruise,  especially  as  each  able  seaman  was 
entitled  to  one  share  and  a  half;  and  now  she  is  fitting 
out  for  another  cruise.  The  articles  are  open,  and,  by 
the  way,  as  she  is.  off  in  the  stream  there,  I  suppose 
she  will  soon  be  off  into  blue  water,  and  now,  messmate, 
what  do  you  think  of  a  cruise  in  her  ?  "  ^ 

"  Why,"  replied  the  other,  "  I  like  the  looks  of  the 
craft,  and  as  for  the  name,  it  has  something  ominous 
in  it,  and  if  she  acquires  half  the  renown  of  her  name- 
2' 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


sake,  I  should  have  no  objection  to  your  proposal  ;  and 
I  suppose  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost  :  let  us  go  to  the 
rendezvous  immediately  and  take  a  look  at  the  articles, 
and  if  the  officers'  berths  are  not  filled  up,  I  have  no' 
doubt  but  that  you  might  get  the  offer  of  boatswain,  for 
[  am  sure  there  are  few  who  are  better  suited  to 
discharge  that  duty  than  yourself." 

This  conversation  being  finished,  they  walked  off  at 
a  rapid  pace  toward  the  rendezvous,  in  Water-street 
which  they  found  without  difficulty;  for  the  successful 
Bruise  of.  the  privateer  became  a  matter  of  so  much 
notoriety,  that  hundreds  were  anxiously  waiting  an  op- 
portumtyto  sign  the  articles;  besides  many  old  tars 
there  were  what  was  at  that  time  technically  called 
highbinders,  cookey  boys,  butcher  boys,  indomitable*, 
*c.  &c.  &c.     Those  of  my  readers  who  are  at  all 
acquainted  with  the  lower  class  of  the  population  of 
few  York  at  that  period,  will  readily  comprehend  the 
very  respectable  chapters  of  the  rabble  before-men- 
ed.     It  was  not  without  some  difficulty  that  our 
heroes  forced  an  entrance  through  the  crowd  into  the 
bng  room  where  there  were  several  articles,  upon  the 
fct  of  which  was  that  of  the  Cruiser  before-mentioned. 
The  appearance  of  the  two  immediately  caught  the  eye 
the  Lieutenant,  and  no  marvel,  for  among  the  great 
number  that  were  in  .and  out  of  the  rendezvous,^ 
wore  so  high  a  bearing  as  these  two  seamen. 

ell,  my  lads,"  inquired  the  Lieutenant,  «  do  you 
J*  to  take  a  cruise  in  the  privateer?     She  if 
*»  craft,  sails  fast,  and,  what  every  sailor  ™ 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


19 


she  is  remarkably  lucky,  as  no  doubt  you  have  heard." 
The  elder  seaman  being  the  spokesman,  after  a  few 
preliminary  inquiries  and  quaint  hits,  adjusting  his 
morsel  of  Virginia,  and  disposing  of  a  liberal  quantity 
of  the  juice,  asked  the  Lieutenant  if  there  were  any  of 
the  petty  officers'  berths  open;  to  which  the  officer 
replied,  that  they  were  all  filled  up  except  the  boat 
swain's,  and  two  applications  had  been  made  for  that 
berth ;  "  but,"  continued  he,  "  do  you  wish  to  go  in 
that  capacity  ?  " 

He  replied  in  the  affirmative. 
"  Well,"  continued  the  Lieutenant,  "  I  like  your  ap 
pearance,  and  I  think  you  have  seen  much  service. 
How  old  are  you?" 
"  Thirty-five." 

"  How  long  have  you  been  to  sea  ?  " 
"Twenty  years,"  he  replied  rather  gruffly,  being 
somewhat  piqued  at  the  last  interrogatory. 

"I  will  have  some  conversation  with  the  captain 
to-night,  and  to-morrow  at  nine  o'clock  will  give  you 
an  answer.  But  your  young  shipmate  there  ?  Well, 
my  lad,  do  you  want  to  ship  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply,  "  if  my  messmate  enters." 
"But   you  perceive,"   said  the  Lieutenant,  "the 
officers'  berths  are  all  taken." 

"  I  do  not  look  for  any  thing  of  the  kind,'^  replied 
the  young  seaman.  "  I  shall  be  contented  and  happy 
to  go  with  my  messmate  here  in  any  capacity." 

"  Then  come  to-morrow  morning  at  nine,  and  you 
shall  not  be  separated." 


CHAPTER  n. 


THE  TWO  SEAMEN  ENTER  ON  BOARD  THE  PRIVATEFR,  FOR 
THE  CRUISE,  ETC. 

THE  two  seamen  had  returned  to  their  lodgings, 
(a  respectable  private  boarding  house  in  Cherry  street,) 
where  they  were  quietly  seated  after  supper,  in  a  neat 
and  well  furnished  room.  The  young  seaman  was  en 
gaged  in  reading  aloud  for  his  'companion,  for  although 
the  elder  was  a  prune  seaman,  yet,  unfortunately,  his 
education  was  exceedingly  limited  ;  a  circumstance  by 
no  means  strange  or  singular,  considering  the  length 
of  time  he  had  pursued  a  sea  life,  and  the  narrow  facil 
ities  of  acquiring  an  education  in  the  days  of  his  boy- 
hood. 

"  Well,"  said  the  old   tar,  interrupting  the  youn* 

seaman,  "I    think,  my  boy,  we're  fairly'm  for  this 

muse;   for  although  we  have  not   clapped   our  flip- 

ers  to  the  articles,  yet  we've  let  slip  a  promise,  and 

a-t's  all  the  toe,  for  I've  a  notion  that  a  sailor's  word 

ought  to  be  the  same  as  signed,  sealed,  and  delivered  in 

presence  of  ;  but  I  have  been  overhauling  my 

tunking  tackles,  messmate,  since  we've  had  a  squint 
at  them  chaps  there  about  the  rendezvous,  and  I'll  miss 
20 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  25 

• 

ner,  "  You  perceive,"  said  he,  "  the  articles  are  nearly 
full,  and  the  outfit  for  a  three  months'  cruise  •will  be  com 
pleted  in  two  days ;  you  will  therefore  repair  on  board 
with  all  possible  despatch,  and  assume  the  duties  of  your 
stations."  No  time  was  lost  by  the  two  seamen,  and 
after  purchasing  a  boatswain's  call  and  a  suitable  quan 
tity  of  silver  chain  with  some  few  articles  of  substantial 
clothing,  they  hurried  along  to  their  boarding  house, 
and  overhauling  their  chests,  they  selected  such  clothing 
as  was  most  appropriately  suited  for  the  cruise,  all  of 
which  were  stowed  away  in  canvass  bags,  with  their 
names  on  each ;  these,  together  with  their  hammocks 
and  bedding,  comprised  the  outfit.  The  remainder  of 
their  effects  were  left  in  the  care  of  the  honest  landlord, 
with  whom  they  had  resided. 

"  Now,"  observed  the  old  tar,  "  as  we  must  be  on 
board  to-morrow  morning,  we  hav'nt  much  time  to  spare, 
we  must  go  and  settle  the  matter  about  the  prize-money, 
that  is,  if  we  get  any,  and  to  be  sure  this  is  like  count 
ing  chickens  before  they  are  hatched ;  howsomever,  it  is 
best  to  get  some  honest  chap  who  will  keep  a  look-out 
to  windward  for  us  against  these  land-sharks  who  are 
.always  ready  to  filch  the  hard  earnings  of  poor  sailors, 
and  I  tell  you,  messmate,  if  once  they  get  their  thiev- 
ing-irons  upon  our  prize-money,  then  there  will  be  no 
more  chance  of  getting  it,  than  if  it  went  to  Davy 
Jones's  locker,  in  the  middle  of  the  Western  ocean ; 
for  somehow  or  other,  there  are  some  of  these  chaps 
they  call  agents,  seem  to  think  that  sailors  are  little 
better  than  hosses,  and  that  they  are  bound  to  serve 
3 


26  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

them,  and  they  place  just  as  little  value  upon  their 
lives ;  so  that  they  consider  when  they  get  the  proceeds 
of  prizes  in  their  possession,  no  matter  how  many  hard 
knocks,  and  loss  of  life  and  limb,  or  confinement  in 
British  prisons  ;  I  say  messmate,  when  they  once  get 
grappling  irons  on  it,  then  its  all  privateering  with 
them,  and  poor  Jack  may  whistle  for  his  share. 
But  come,  let's  go  and  find  out  who  is  the  agent  for 
the  Cruiser." 

So  saying,  they  immediately  proceeded  toward  the  ren 
dezvous  where  they  ascertained  from  the  lieutenant  that 
by  the  united  assent  of  the  officers  and  crew,  they  had 
selected  a  merchant  of  great  wealth  and  high  standing, 
(the  owner  of  the  privateer,  although  a  Jew,)  for  their 
agent.  This  did  not  meet  with  the  approbation  of  the 
two  seamen,  but  especially  the  elder,  who  declared  that 
the  chances  were  nine  out  of  ten  against  them,  averring 
that  all  Jews  thought  it  a  duty  to  rob  a  Christian,  "  and 
I  don't  know  how  it  is,  for  I  have'nt  got  much  laming 
in  the  matters,  that  our  lawmakers  have  so  fixed  it  that 
any  rogue  or  villain  can  cheat  an  honest  man  out  of  his 
just  dues ;  and  I  have  heard,"  he  continued,  "  that 
these  land-sharks  or  agents,  whatever  you  may  call 
them,  after  fobbing  the  whole  of  the  prize-money,  just 
make  it  over  to  some  brother  thief,  and  then  take  an 
oath  that  they've  not  got  any  thing,  and  so  get  the 
benefit  of  the  law,  cheat  their  creditors,  and  after  a  bit 
you'll  see  these  chaps  living  on  the  fat  of  the  land,  in 
fine  houses,  and  rolling  along  in  carriages.  Now,  mess 
mate,  rhat  do  you  think  of  such  a  law  ?  " 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEK.  27 

"  The  insolvent  law,"  replied  the  young  seaman, 
"  was  made  for  the  general  good  ;  but  especially  to  the 
unfortunate  honest  man  it  is  a  blessing,  as  it  protects 
him  against  the  unfeeling,  and  merciless  creditor,  who 
would,  were  it  not  for  this  law,  place  him  beyond 
the  power  to  pay  his  honest  debts  by  confinement  hi 
prison.  It  is  true  that  dishonest  men  take  advantage 
of  this  law,  but  then  it  is  at  the  expense  of  their  reputa 
tion  and  conscience,  for  they  violate  all  that  is  sacred 
to  the  human  heart,  and  reduce  to  poverty  and  wretch 
edness  the  industrious  poor,  and  oftentimes  cause  bitter 
tears  to  fall  from  the  widow  and  orphan  through  pinch 
ing  want." 

"  God  defend  me  from  this,"  replied  the  old  tar  vehe 
mently.  "  I'd  rather  have  a  clean  set  of  papers  to  go 
into  port  at  the  last  day,  than  all  the  kelt  that  is 
brought  into  the  United  States  during  the  whole  war. 
But,"  continued  he,  "if  you  have  an  honest  friend  in 
these  parts,  we'll  just  get  him  to  make  sure  work  for  us 
by  keeping  an  eye  on  that  agent." 

The  two  seamen  proceeded  forthwith  to  a  magis 
trate's  office  and  had  a  power  of  attorney  drawn  out  in 
favor  of  the  young  seaman's  uncle,  to  receive  all  prize- 
money  belonging  to  them,  that  might  accrue  from  the 
present  cruise.  This  being  drawn,  it  was  enclosed  in  a 
letter,  and  forwarded  to  his  uncle,  who  then  resided  hi 
Albany. 

Every  thing  being  now  arranged  for  the  cruise, 
and  as  the  two  seamen  were  entire  strangers  in  New 
York,  they  concluded  to  return  to  their  lodgings,  and 


28  fflE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


spend  the  remaining  part  of  the  day  and  evening  in  con 
versing  of  their  Mends.  "  By  the  way,"  said  the  old  tar, 
"  I  should  just  like  to  pass  this  evening  with  my  old 
mother  on  the  Cape  ;  she  is  now  the  only  one  that  cares 
for  me,  and  many  years  have  gone  over  her  head,  and  I 
suppose  it  will  not  be  long  before  she  will  be  moored  in 
the  grave-yard.  Well,  I  shall  the-n  be  alone  in  the 
world,  and  it  is  not  much  odds  where  away  I  box  my 
compass,  for  no  one  then  will  think  of  me." 

"  You  do  me  injustice,"  replied  the  young  seaman. 
with  great  feeling  ;  "  can  one  to  whom  I  owe  so  much 
friendship,  and  with  whom  I  have  sworn  never  to  sep 
arate  while  life  lasts,  can  you  for  a  moment  suppose 
that,  when  your  mother  is  called  away,  there  will  '  be 
none  to  think  of  you  ?  " 

"  Yes,  you  are  my  true-hearted  messmate,"  replied 
the  old  tar  eagerly,  and  grasping  the  hand  of  the 
young  seaman,  renewed  his  protestation  of  friendship 
and  union. 


CHAPTER  IK. 

THE  PRIVATEER  AND  HER  CREW. 

THE  two  seamen  rose  early  the  next  morning,  and 
after  breakfast  bade  adieu  to  their  kind  host  and 
hostess,  repaired  on  board  and  reported  themselves  to 
the  commanding  officer,  (the  second  lieutenant,)  who 
received  them  very  graciously  and  congratulated  them 
on  their  good  fortune,  in  making  choice  of  so  fine  a 
vessel,  and  especially  one  which  had  immortalized 
herself  on  her  last  cruise  in  an  action  with  a  British 
packet,  and  her  good  luck  in  making  captures.  The 
old  tar  cast  a  keen  glance  over  the  deck  of  the  pri 
vateer,  and  asked  the  Lieutenant  dryly, 

"  Were  you  out  in  her  last  cruise,  sir  ?  " 

The  reply  was  in  the  affirmative. 

He  shrugged  up  his  shoulders,  turned  his  head 
away,  and  stood  gazing  for  a  few  moments  at  the 
scenes  which  were  now  in  operation  on  deck ;  for  if  the 
exterior,  or  the  beautiful  model  of  the  hull,  just  pro 
portion  of  the  spars,  and  neatness  of  the  rig  of  the 
Cruizer,  gave  them  so  much  delight,  when  they  viewed 
her  from  the  Battery,  their  feelings  now  on  shipboard 
were  vastly  different,  for  every  thing  was  in  confusion 
8*  29 


80  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEE. 

and  disorder ;  the  whole  of  the  deck,  (except  a  small 
place  abaft,)  was  lumbered  with  plank,  spars,  old 
junk,  cordage,  barrels  of  provisions  and  water-casks ; 
on  the  larboard  side  was  a  pile  of  round  shot,  and 
between  the  guns  in  promiscuous  heaps  were  sponges, 
rammers,  gunners'  handspikes,  wad  bags  half  empty, 
and  the  wads  strewed  on  every  part  of  the  deck. 

The  crew  (for  there  were  some  thirty  or  forty  on 
board,)  bore  a  strong  resemblance  to  the  gentry  before 
described  as  seen  at  the  rendezvous,  for  their  ap 
pearance  indicated  that  they  had  been  gathered  from 
those  sinks  of  vice  and  infamy  in  NCAV  York,  viz. :  the 
Five  Points,  Pawley's  Hook,  &c.  On  the  deck  lay 
sprawling  some  two  or  three,  dead  drunk,  —  others 
were  half  and  half;  on  the  forecastle  were  two  men 
with  their  shirts  off,  squaring  away  for  a  fight,  while 
two  parties  assumed  a  threatening  attitude,  and  ap 
parently  determined  to  see  fair  play.  "  Go  it,  high 
binders,"  said  one.  "At  him,  cookey,"  said  another. 
"  Fair  play !  "  vociferated  a  huge  fellow,  who  seemed 
qualified  and  determined,  as  he  stood  with  two  enor 
mous  fists  doubled,  ready  to  enforce  the  words  which 
he  had  uttered.  The  berth  deck,  if  it  might  be  so 
called,  for  as  yet  it  was  in  a  perfectly  chaotic  state, 
was  in  strict  conformity  with  the  upper  deck ;  the 
water  casks  and  provisions  lay  the  whole  length  of  that 
part  of  the  hold  set  apart  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  sailors.  Thus  far  there  was  neither  stowage  of 
water  nor  provisions,  and  the  plank  to  form  the  deck 
lay  scattered  here  and  there,  while  a  group  of  men  on 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

•afc- 

the   starboard  side,   who  had  been  employed  in  the 
hold    were    now    formed  into    a   kind  of   ring, 
their  looks,  and  on  every  feature  of  their  countenances, 
were  legibly  depicted  in  characters  which  could  not  bo 
misunderstood,  infamy  and  fraud,  for  they  were  gam 
bib",  and  had   a  few  pieces   of  small  money  before 
them.     Another  set  were  plotting  a  scheme  to  steal  the 
boat  that  night,  go  on  shore,  have  a  row  at  the  I    oto, 
and  finally  take  leave  of  New  York,  by  robbing  a  cook, 
shop  of  all  its  fresh  grub,  that  they  might  have  a  blow 
out  and  pay  the  owners  of  the  establishment  under  a 
flowing  fore-topsail. 

Such  was  the   condition  of  the   privateer  and  her 
crew,  at  least  of  those  which  were  already  on  board. 
The  second  lieutenant,  whether  a  smart  officer  or  a 
good  disciplinarian,  certainly  at  this  time  exercised  but 
little  authority ;  nor  had  he  much  assistance  to  enforce 
command,  although  there  were  three  prize-masters  on 
board  who  seemed  to  consider  themselves  as  a  kind  of 
supernumeraries  or  passengers,  and  as  this  grade  o 
officers  was  generally  composed  of  persons  who  had 
commanded  vessels  previously  to  the  war,  in  many  11 
stances  were  now  above  command,  and  assumed 
fore   the   dignity  of  their  former  stations.     Many  c 
them  were  of  dissipated  habits,  in  whom  confidence  was 
destroyed ;  consequently,  for  want  of  employment  they 
were  compelled  to  accept  the  situation  of  prize-masters. 
But  to  return.     The  next  morning  being  the  time 
appointed  for  sailing,  the  green  hands  came  off  through 
out  the  day,  and  a  more  ludicrous  sight  was  never  seen 


32  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

on  shipboard ;  for  such  at  this  period  was  the  mania 
for  privateering,  that  tradesmen    of   all    descriptions, 
porters,    draymen,    hackmen,    counting-house     clerks, 
&c.,  all  burned  with  the  fire  of  patriotism  and  glory, 
and  thirsted  for  the  blood  of  Englishmen,  or,  what  is 
more  probable,  for  the  manufactures  of  British  work 
shops,  to  satisfy  their  cupidity,  by  converting  them  into 
dollars  and  cents.     Among  the  more  singular  looking 
beings  that  came  on  board  to  seek  their  fortunes,  was  a 
tall,  grenadier-looking  chap,  who  after  having  got  on 
board,  stood  for  a  few  moments  in  perfect  astonishment, 
as  if  he  were  transfixed  to  the  deck,  and  probably  the 
appearance  of  the  company  forward  as  well  as  the  con 
fused  state  which  the  main-deck  then   exhibited,  not 
suiting  his  taste   or  inclination,  as  well  as  the  other 
extreme  of  the  Cruiser,  he  began  to  measure  his  steps 
abaft,  when  he  was  saluted  by  a  quaint  old  salt  with  a 
tap  on  the  shoulder,  who  at  ,the  same  time  bawled  out 
at  the  top  of  his  voice,  "  Right  about  face,  major !" 
Perceiving  his  mistake,  he  immediately  began  to  retrace 
his  steps,  which  afforded  great  amusement  to  those  on 
the  main-deck,  by  whom  he   was    interrogated  with, 
"  How  long  have  you  been  in  the  army  ?  "   "  What 
regiment  do  you  belong  to  ? "  &c. ;  all  of  which  he 
bore  patiently,  xmtil   the  cry  was  sent  fore  and  aft, 
"  Look   out  for  your  bread-bags,   there 's    a    marine 
adrift."     Perceiving  he  was  the  butt  of  merriment,  he 
could  no  longer  preserve  Ids'  equanimity,  and  raising 
himself  to  his  full  stature,  being  upwards  of  six  feet, 
with  a  heavy,  muscular  frame,  and  flourishing  a  pair  of 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  S3 

fists  which  hung  to  arms  of  uncommon  length,  ex 
claimed  in  not  a  very  pleasing  tone,  "  Gentlemen,  I 
don't  understand  much  about  vessels,  nor  your  lingo.  I 
don't  think  I  have  done  any  thing  that  you  should  make 
fun  of,  or  insult  me  for;  but  hark'ee,  if  it's  fighting 
you  want,  Tim  Waters  is  your  man."  The  determined 
resolution  in  which  this  declaration  was  made,  not  only 
had  an  immediate  effect,  but  also  made  a  lasting  im 
pression  on  the  minds  of  many  of  the  crew  during  the 
remainder  of  the  cruise.  The  jokes  and  merriment 
having  ended  with  our  tall  friend,  they  were  transferred 
over  to  several  others,  one  of  whom  was  a  young  man 
of  genteel  appearance,  who  had  not  as  yet  put  off  his 
long  clothes,  and  from  the  delicate  whiteness  of  his 
hand  might  be  supposed  to  have  driven  the  quill  a 
greater  part  of  his  time.  His  baggage  consisted  of  a 
large  leathern  travelling  trunk,  with  a  pair  of  boots, 
and  an  umbrella  lashed  on  the  top,  with  mattress,  bed 
ding,  &c.  The  sight  of  the  baggage,  especially  the 
trunk  and  its  appendages,  was  too  much  to  preserve  the 
quiet  risibilities  of  the  reckless  group  who  had  gathered 
round  the  young  man,  and  they  broke  out  into  an  im 
moderately  loud  laugh  ;  one  singing  out  for  the  waiter 
to  "  Show  the  gentleman  to  his  room  ;"  another,  "How 
long  do  you  stay,  sir  ? "  &c. ;  all  of  which  so  com 
pletely  disconcerted  the  young  man,  that  he  shrunk 
away  in  silence,  to  seek  protection  from  the  quarter 
deck. 

The  game,  however,  was  not  yet  over,  for  at  this 
moment  came  on  board  a  short,  thick,  duck-legged 


84  THE    AMERICAN    CKUISER. 

chap,  with  a  round,  chubby  fat  face,  fiery  red  cheeks, 
and  small  eyes,  which,  to  use  a  seaman's  expression, 
"  looked  like  two  burnt  holes  in  a  blanket."  The  ap 
pearance  of  this  fellow  would  not  impress  you  with  tho 
idea,  that  he  came  from  the  higher  walks  of  life,  but 
rather  indicated,  and  that  very  strongly  too,  that  his 
elevated  history  might  have  been  gradually  ascending 
until  he  arrived  to  the  very  reputable  vocation  of  porter 
to  a  tap-room.  This  man  certainly,  from  his  whole 
appearance,  was  irresistibly  adapted  to  excite  the  mirth 
of  all  who  beheld  him.  The  great  length  of  his  body, 
his  short  legs,  with  the  uncommon  appearance  of  his 
red  face  and  small  eyes,  his  great  good  nature  and 
drollery,  (for  it  seemed  that  ha.  had  picked  up  many 
odd  sayings  and  anecdotes,  which  he  related  in  a  way 
that  would  provoke  mirth  from  the  most  serious,)  at 
tracted  general  attention.  No  marvel,  then,  if  a  scene 
of  uproar  and  merriment  was  created  by  his  appear 
ance.  "  Handle  yourself  this  way,  Jimmy  Ducks," 
says  one.  "Don't  be  squinting  at  the  gentleman's 
legs,"  says  another.  "  To  be  sure  they  wo'  nt  be  of 
much  sarvice  to  him  in  a  gale  of  wind,  for  his  top-works 
are  too  heavy  for  his  lower  timbers,  and  mayhap,  if  a 
sudden  gust  strikes  him  on  the  beam,  why  he  '11  capsize, 
unless  them  outriggers  there  that  are  shipped  on  to  the 
hull  saves  him,"  (meaning  his  arms,)  which,  owing  to 
his  short  legs,  appeared  to  be  of  uncommon  length. 
How  long  Jimmy  Ducks  might  have  served  these 
reckless  beings  as  a  butt  for  their  jibes  and  merriment 
is  unknown,  if  he  had  not  have  received  it  all  in 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  85 

perfect  good  nature,  joining  with  them  in  the  laugh 
against  himself,  at  the  same  time  quaintly  acknowl 
edging  his  ignorance  of  all  that  concerned  a  Cruiser, 
"  but  was  happy,"  he  said,  "  to  be  one  of  the  number 
that  composed  her  crew,  and  hoped  shortly  to  become 
better  acquainted." 

The  arrival  of  some  fifteen  or  twenty  old  seamen, 
diverted  the  attention  of  the  crew  from  Jimmy, 
and  no  doubt  he  was  not  a  little  satisfied  to  be 
rid  of  their  company.  Now  the  old  salts  had  de 
layed  coming  on  board  until  the  last  moment,  well 
knowing  the  laborious  duty  always  necessary  to  bo 
performed  previously  to  a  departure  from  port  on  a 
cruise.  The  truth  was,  however,  the  duty  was  not 
yet  executed,  for  every  thing  thus  far  lay  in  genteel 
confusion  about  decks.  The  most  superficial  observer 
would  not  have  been  at  'a  loss  to  discover  the  difference 
between  these  men  and  a  majority  of  the  crew,  for 
although  there  were  a  few  in  a  state  called  half  seas 
over,  yet  a  greater  part  were  perfectly  sober,  dressed  in 
complete  seaman's  rig,  each  having  a  hammock  neatly 
lashed,  and  a  large  canvass  bag  well  stowed  with  dun 
nage,  with  their  names  printed  in  large  letters  both  ou 
their  hammocks  and  bags  ;  these  were  all  quickly  on 
board,  and  instead  of  that  raillery  which  had  been  so 
freely  conferred  upon  the  others,  the  old  sailors  were 
considered  as  a  kind  of  superior  beings,  to  whom  a 
certain  deference  was  due  by  the  green  hands,  and 
Jack  in  return  complimented  these  gentry,  by  allowing 
them  to  swing  their  hammocks  near  the  hatchway, 


86  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

so  that  they  might  have  the  benefit  of  the  cool  air, 
taking  good  care,  however,  themselves  to  swing  their 
hammocks  as  far  abaft  as  possible,  for  the  twofold 
purpose  of  having  a  skulk  in  their  watch  below  at 
night,  and  to  keep  clear  of  the  sprays,  which  usually 
pour  down  the  gratings,  the  hatches  being  seldom  on, 
except  in  heavy  gales  of  wind.  Now  the  green  hands, 
by  the  proximity  of  their  berths  to  the  hatchway,  were 
not  only  exposed  to  all  this,  but  much  more,  such  as  the 
constant  passing  up  and  down,  the  hoisting  up  of  pro 
visions,  &c.,  so  that  with  these  and  the  noise  and  con 
fusion  on  deck,  very  little  sleep  could  be  obtained  by 
those  who  were  near  the  hatchway. 

It  was  near  to  the  close  of  the  day,  and  although 
little  had  been  done,  comparatively,  to  get  the  Cruiser 
in  readiness  for  sea  the  next  day,  yet  the  berth-deck 
had  assumed  a  form  and  shape,  for  the  ballast  as  well 
as  the  water  and  provisions  were  stowed,  and  the  planks 
vrere  seamed  which  formed  the  covering  or  deck. 
Some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  comfort  and  con 
venience  of  this  part  of  the  vessel,  assigned  for  the 
residence  of  about  a  hundred  sailors  and  petty  officers. 
In  the  first  place  then,  from  the  berth-deck  to  the  upper 
deck  beams,  the  space  was  not  more  than  four  feet  in 
height,  and  the  length  might  be  fifty  feet  fore  and  aft. 
An  upright  posture  therefore  it  was  impossible  to  main 
tain,  so  if  you  succeeded  in  getting  any  distance  from 
the  hatchway,  it  must  be  on  all  fours  ;  a  tolerable  con 
ception  can  therefore  be  formed  as  to  the  comfort  of 
this  location,  when  you  add  to  the  former  incon- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  87 

veniences,  that  of  the  seamen's  clothing  and  hammocks 
were  strung  to  the  beam.  Here  then  were  crowded 
nearly  one  hundred  human  beings  of  all  nations,  ages, 
color,  character,  and  perhaps  we  may  not  exceed  the 
bounds  of  truth,  if  we  say  there  was  as  great  a  variety 
in  this  crew,  and  as  motley  and  unprincipled,  (although 
there  were  some  honorable  exceptions,  but  they  were  few 
and  far  between,)  as  ever  floated  over  the  ocean  in  an 
American  cruiser.  All  the  officers  now  came  on  board, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Captain,  namely,  the  first  and 
third  lieutenant,  sailing  master,  four  additional  prize- 
masters,  lieutenant  of  marines,  and  captain's  clerk. 
Of  the  first  lieutenant  we  have  had  occasion  to  say 
something,  having  introduced  him  at  the  rendezvous, 
but  we  shall  speak  more  particularly  of  him  as  well  as 
the  other  officers  in  the  subsequent  part  of  this  work. 

It  was  soon  evident  from  the  conversation  and  stern 
countenance  of  the  first  lieutenant,  that  he  was  not  at 
all  satisfied  or  pleased  with  the  confused  state  of  the 
Cruiser's  deck,  and  the  disorder  of  the  crew ;  although 
it  was  necessary,  in  order  to  keep  the  men  on  board, 
not  to  insist  yet  on  a  severe  discipline  ;  yet  the  condition 
of  the  Cruiser  and  crew  was  so  entirely  different  from 
what  he  expected  when  he  came  on  board,  that  he  hesi 
tated  not  to  express  his  dissatisfaction  to  the  second 
lieutenant. 

"Let  the  boatswain  and  his  shipmate  be  called," 
demanded  the  first  lieutenant. 

The    two    seamen    appeared    immediately  on    the 
quarter-deck,  touching  their  hats  respectfully,  but  ex- 
4 


88  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

hibited  great  mortification  and  disappointment  in  their 
looks  and  manner. 

"  I  perceive,"  said  the  first  lieutenant,  addressing 
them  both,  "  that  the  condition  of  the  Cruiser  does  not 
exactly  suit  your  views  of  duty  and  discipline  ;  but 
with  your  cooperation,  I  think  we  shall  have  a  different 
state  of  things,  before  another  day.  But  have  you 
been  installed  as  the  boatswain  of  the  Cruiser  since 
you  came  on  board  ?  "  inquired  the  first  lieutenant. 

"  No,  sir,"  replied  the  old  tar. 

"  Then,  sir,  wind  that  call,  and  summons  all  hands 
•on  deck  fore  and  aft." 

For  the  first  time  since  our  two  heroes  came  on 
board,  the  shrill  whistle  of  the  boatswain's  pipe  was 
heard  fore  and  aft,  and  repeated  three  times,  accom 
panied  with  the  stentorian  lungs  of  the  old  tar,  which 
might  have  been  heard  at  least  a  mile,  with  the  cry  of 
"  All  hands  ahoy  !  " 

As  soon  as  all  hands  were  mustered,  and  silence  was 
proclaimed,  the  first  lieutenant,  in  a  clear  and  com 
manding  voice,  pointing  to  the  old  tar,  and  addressing 
the  officers  and  crew,  said :  • 

"This  is  the  boatswain  of  the  Cruiser;  you  will 
therefore  respect  and  obey  him  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duty." 

After  this  formal  installation  was  over,  the  decks 
being  cleared,  all  hands  were  piped  to  supper. 


CHAPTER  IV.  • 

THE  SUPPER. 

THE  sun  had  now  sunk  beneath  the  western  horizon, 
and  many  small  clouds  uprose,  which  for  beauty  and 
magnificence  defied  the  most  consummate  skill  of  the 
artist's  pencil.  Ascending  into  the  azure  vault,  they 
sent  forth  a  balmy  freshness,  which  came  stealing  over 
the  waters  with  quietude  and  stillness,  scarcely  ruffling 
its  placid  bosom.  The  twilight  now  began  to  cast  a 
pensive  shade,  while  here  and  there  a  glittering  star  0** 
planet  shot  its  brilliant  light,  increasing  in  proportion  as 
night  advanced.  On  one  side  lay  the  city  of  New  York. 
A  thousand  lights  were  now  seen  twinkling  from  the  nu 
merous  dwellings  and  shops  which  stretched  along  the 
East  River  for  nearly  a  league  ;  these,  together  with 
many  others,  on  the  rising  ground,  produced  a  light  so 
brilliant  that  by  its  reflection  numerous  spires  were  vis 
ible,  while  the  noise  and  hum  of  the  many  carriages, 
drays,  and  numerous  human  beings,  retiring  from  busi 
ness  could  be  heard ;  all  of  which,  as  seen  and  heard 
from  the  deck  of  the  Cruiser,  almost  inspired  the  idea 
of  enchantment.  On  the  other  side,  as  far  as  the  eye 
could  trace,  was  the  beautiful  Island,  which  forms  the 

39 


40  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

channel  called  Long  Island  Sound.  No  sight  can  be 
more  picturesque  than  that  which  meets  the  eye,  when 
sailing  through  this  sound,  particularly  in  the  summer 
months.  After  passing  the  city  of  New  York,  the  coast 
is  lined  with  highly  cultivated  farms,  with  here  and  there 
a  splendid  county  seat,  adorned  with  all  the  variety  of 
nature  and  art,  while  flourishing  towns  and  villages  on 
the  coast  of  Connecticut,  rise  one  after  another  to  the 
view,  to  the  extent  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles. 
The  coast  of  Long  Island  presents,  as  if  to  relieve  the 
eye,  extensive  woods,  tall  forest  trees,  and  here  and 
there  a  surface  dotted  with  a  small  town  or  village,  far 
removed  from  the  noise  and  confusion  of  the  city,  which 
justly  claims  for  her  state  the  empire  of  America.  At 
the  extreme  east  end  of  this  Island  is  situated  the  town 
of  Sag  Harbor,  a  place  of  some  importance  on  account 
of  its  commerce  and  business  in  the  whale  fishery.  At 
the  extreme  southwest  part  is  situated  the  town  of 
Brooklyn,  (now' incorporated  into  a  city.)  Here,  also, 
is  an  extensive  Navy  Yard,  Arsenal,  Marine  Barracks, 
&c.  &c.  From  shipboard  may  be  seen  the  Brooklyn 
heights  ;  and  the  eye  as  well  as  the  imagination  can 
trace  the  route  of  that  memorable  retreat  of  the 
Oontinential  forces  across  the  East  River  to  New  York. 
So  profoundly  secret  and  silent  was  the  movement, 
,hat  the  British  General,  who  had  made  his  disposition 
for  the  attack  in  the  morning,  was  astonished  and  sur 
prised  at  this  consummate  manoeuvre  of  the  illustrious 
American  General. 

The  recollection  of  this  as  well  as  the  many  hardships 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

and  privations  endured  by  the  patriots  of  the  Revolution, 
and  the  skill,  bravery,  prudence,  and  patience  of  their 
leader  the  immortal  Washington,  and  the  glorious  ter 
mination  of  the  struggle  for  liberty,  should  inspire  f 
in-s  of  pride  and  patriotism  in  the  breast  of  every  true 
Amercian.      Once  more,  then,  is  America  in  arms 
against  the  parent  land;  already  had  the  vaunted  Mis- 
tr°ess  of  the  Ocean  been  humbled  by  the  naval  prowess 
of  American  Tars,  and  although  the  war  was  .in  its  in 
fancy,  yet  the  American  private  armed  vessels  were 
swarming  the  ocean,  crippling  the  enemy's  commerce, 
and  making  many  captures,  notwithstanding  the  great 
naval  force  of  the  British,  which  floated  over  almost 
every  part  of  the  Western  Ocean. 

The  Cruiser,  of  which  we  now  write,  had  acted  her 
part  well  thus  far,  and  was  now  on  the  eve  of  a  second 
cruise,  and  as  the  reader  has  been  presented  with  a 
description  of  her,  as  well  as  the  crew,  we  shall  now 
introduce  him,  according  to  promise,  to  the  supper  pre 
vious  to  her  departure  on  the  cruise.  The  supper  was 
not  what  might  have  been  expected  by  landsmen,  when 
they  associate  the  remembrance  of  their  own  comfort 
able  board  with  the  hard  biscuit  and  salt  beef  and  pork, 
the  usual  fare  on  shipboard.  For  the  success  of  the 
last  cruise  had  made  the  owners  in  this  respect  some 
what  liberal ;  besides  it  was  a  main  object  with  them  to 
allow  an  abundant  supply  of  fresh  provisions,  tea,  coffee, 
soft  bread,  &c.,  in  order  to  keep  the  old  tars  on  board, 
but  especially  to  impress  the  belief  among  the  green 
horns,  that  such  was  the  usual  mode  of  living. 
4* 


42  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

In  the  grey  twilight  of  evening  there  might  have 
been  seen  a  mass  of  human  beings  crowding  the  main 
deck  and  forecastle,  in  squads  of  a  dozen  each,  sur 
rounding  a  huge  mess-kid,  resembling  a  small  sized  tub, 
well  lined  with  fresh  beef,  served  up  to  suit  the  taste  of 
the  company,  partly  boiled  and  partly  fried,  while  in 
every  direction  were  strewed  loaves  of  soft  bread,  (tack, 
as  the  sailors  term  it,)  and  coffee  was  served  up  in 
buckets,  for  the  greater  convenience  of  dipping  out  at 
pleasure,  as  thirst  and  inclination  might  require.  Now 
begun  the  work  of  demolition,  and  it  soon  became  evi 
dent  that  the  enormous  appetites  of  the  men  made  a 
very  sensible  diminution  of  the  beef,  bread  and  coffee. 
"  This  is  not  bad  to  take,"  said  a  tall,  ill-visaged,  lean 
chap,  as  he  was  about  to  introduce  into  his  mouth, 
(/which  might  not  be  inaptly  compared  to  that  of  an 
anaconda,)  a  huge  piece  of  beef.  "  I  just  thought  as 
much,"  said  an  old  sailor,  "  when  I  saw  you  hoisting 
in  that  provision  and  stowing  it  in  your  lower  hold  so 
fast.  Hark'ee,"  continued  the  old  salt,  "  I'll  sheer  clear 
of  your  mess  anyhow,  for  the  Lord  help  the  chaps  that's 
got  to  have  their  grub  with  you  ;  they  '11  have  at  least 
two  banyan  days  a  week."  From  the  appearance  of 
this  fellow,  there  was  a  great  deal  of  truth  in  the  re 
mark  of  the  sailor,  for  he  not  only  had  given  ocular 
demonstration  of  his  enormous  appetite  on  this  occasion, 
but  his  whole  exterior  indicated  in  the  strongest  possible 
manner,  one  of  those  loafing  gentry,  whose  support, 
depending  on  others,  consequently  is  always  precarious 
and  doubtful ;  but  when  an  opportunity  presents,  like 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  45 

the  present  splendid  repast,  is  not  slow  to  make  up  for 
mer  deficiencies. 

"  Avast  there !  don't  swallow  that  tin-pot,"  bawled 
out  another  to  a  chap  who  was  about  draining  off  the 
contents  of  the  third  tin-pot  of  coffee,  which  might  hold 
nearly  a  quart.  "  I  say,"  continued  he,  "  if  you  go  on 
at  this  rate,  we  shall  have  to  take  on  board  an  extra 
five  hundred  gallons  of  water,  or  we  shall  have  to  go 
on  short  allowance  before  the  cruise  is  half  up." 

Our  tall  friend  before-mentioned  sat  quietly,  though 
industriously  satisfying  his  appetite  ;  the  truth  was,  his 
giant  form  and  great  muscular  power,  together  with  the 
emphatic  demonstration  of  his  readiness  to  resent  an  in 
sult,  as  manifested  when  he  came  on  board,  had  made 
such  a  lasting  impression  on  the  minds  of  the  crew,  that 
it  not  only  elicited  for  him  a  kind  of  respect,  or  fear,  if 
you  please,  but  he  remained  quite  unmolested  during 
the  whole  of  this  gracious  meal.  Not  so  with  the  young 
man  in  long  clothes.  Having  seated  himself  on  the  ex 
treme  outside  of  the  rest  of  the  company,  he  had  not 
only  to  endure  the  jeers  and  scoffs  of  many  of  the  crew, 
but  partook  so  sparingly  of  the  supper  that  an  attentive 
observer  might  have  read  the  workings  of  his  mind, 
which,  if  clothed  into  language,  would  probably  have 
said,  "I  wish  I  were  on  shore  again,  and  far  from  the 
society  of  such  a  company  as  compose  this  crew."  An 
old  salt  who  sat  by  him,  gazing  attentively  in  his 
face,  and  perceiving  the  strong  emotion  exhibited 
(for  the  salfc*tear  was  standing  in  his  eye,)  and  clapping 
his  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  the  young  man,  said  to  him, 


46  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

in  a  soothing  voice,  "  Come,  come,  cheer  up  ;  what 
though  we  are  not  in  the  land  of  plates  and  knives  and 
forks,  and  I  suppose  our  chaps  here,  and  this  kind  of 
sarving  up  grub,  you  are  not  much  used  to,  or  much  to 
your  liking  ;  but  howsomever,  I'd  advise  you,  lad,  even 
if  the  milk-man  don't  come  off,  to  line  your  jacket  well, 
by  stowing  away  a  good  cargo  to-night ;  it  will  do  you 
good,  for  hark 'ee,  we'll  have  a  change  of  diet  when  we 
get  into  blue  water."  The  kind  manner  in  which  these 
words  were  spoken,  made  a  deep  impression  upon  the 
youth,  and  it  soon  became  evident,  from  the  alteration 
in  his  looks,  and  the  cheerfulness  with  which  he  aug 
mented  his  meal,  that  the  current  of  his  feelings  was 
materially  changed,  and  also  that  the  sailor's  kindness 
inspired  him  with  confidence. 

But  of  all  the  company  that  graced  the  festive  board, 
none  certainly  bore  a  more  conspicuous  part  than 
Jimmy  Ducks.  He  was  not  only  a  mark  on  which 
they  expended  their  jokes  and  merriment,  which  by  the 
way,  fell  on  him  perfectly  harmless,  for  his  good  humor 
and  quaint  manner  of  reply  often  turned  the  tables 
upon  those  who  attempted  to  bring  him  into  ridicule ; 
and  although  Jimmy  could  play  a  very  excellent  game 
at  eating  and  drinking,  yet  his  amazement  knew  no 
bounds  when  he  beheld  the  rapid  decrease  of  the  enor 
mous  quantity  of  provisions,  which  but  a  few  moments 
previous  had  been  spread  on  the  deck  of  the  Cruiser. 
Indeed,  his  astonishment  was  so  great  that  he  would 
often  break  out  with  the  sententious  expression,  "  The 
way  these  gentlemen  eat  is  a  caution  to  unbelievers." 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER  47 

But  as  every  thing  has  its  commencement  as  well  as  its 
finale,  the  truth  of  the  moral  in  this  instance  was  now 
about  to  be  accomplished,  for  kid  after  kid  of  beef, 
bucket  after  bucket  of  coffee,  and  loaf  after  loaf  of  bread 
disappeared,  when  three  or  four  simultaneously  bawled 
out,  "  Clear  away  the  wreck."  And  wreck  it  certainly 
was,  for  nothing  was  left  except  empty  kids,  buckets, 
tin-pots,  spoons,  &c.,  proving  by  actual  demonstration 
that  there  is  an  end  to  all  things. 

The  company  aft  at  present  consisted  of  two  separate 
divisions,  viz:  the  lieutenants,  prize-masters,  sailing- 
master,  lieutenant  of  marines,  and  surgeon.  These 
messed  together  in  the  ward-room.  Forward  of  this  the 
petty  officers,  or  the  boatswain,  gunner,  carpenter,  sail- 
maker,  and  the  young  seaman,  messed.  This  apart 
ment  was  separated  from  the  berth-deck  by  a  bulkhead, 
and  from  the  ward-room  by  another,  and  the  entrance  to 
it  was  the  same  as  that  to  the  ward-room.  Although 
the  supper  consisted  of  the  same  kind  of  provision  as 
that  of  the  sailors,  yet  this  being  the  region  of  knives 
and  forks,  cups  and  saucers,  of  course  it  was  served  up 
in  better  style,  and  exhibited  that  cleanliness  and  re 
spect  due  to  the  officers  of  the  private  armed  vessels  of 
war.  This  meal  was  not  so  rapidly  demolished,  neither 
was  there  any  exhibition  of  inordinate  appetites ;  yet  it 
was  received  with  peculiar  relish,  and  it  may  be  ob 
served,  with  a  degree  of  refinement,  good  humor,  and 
blunt  honesty,  which  ever  characterizes  true-hearted 
Sons  of  the  Ocean.  Although  there  were  two  at  least 
in  the  ward-room  that  had  never  yet  seen  blue  water, 


18  THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER. 

yet  they  evinced  the  same  good  feeling  which  prevailed 
among  the  other  officers.  As  regards  the  petty  officers, 
they  were  old  seamen,  and  deeply  experienced  in  their 
profession,  or  as  it  was  said  of  them,  they  were  "  dia 
monds  of  the  first  water." 

The  supper  being  concluded  and  the  cloth  removed, 
the  table  was  soon  replenished  with  bottles  of  old  Ma 
deira,  and  glasses  to  each  of  the  company. 

"  Come,  gentlemen,"  said  the  first  lieutenant,  who 
presided  at  the  table,  "  fill  up  your  glasses."  This  was 
quickly  done,  and  he  proposed  a  toast,  which  was, 
"  Success  to  the  noble  Cruiser  and  her  brave  com 
mander."  This  was  drank  with  great  satisfaction  by 
all.  Several  other  toasts  were  then  drunk,  and  the 
wine  passed  round  rapidly,  and  soon  began  to  make  a 
sensible  impression  on  the  company.  Some  laughed 
immoderately,  while  others  were  discussing  with  great 
vehemence  the  strength  and  good  qualities  of  the  Cruiser. 
One  swore  they  would  make  their  fortune  this  cruise, 
while  another  conceived  himself  to  be  actually  boarding 
a  prize  ;  and,  indeed,  nearly  the  whole,  with  the  excep 
tion  of  the  first  lieutenant,  lieutenant  of  marines,  and 
surgeon,  boasted  of  their  valor  and  prowess. 

At  this  point  the  first  lieutenant  looked  at  his  watch, 
rose  hastily  and  observed,  "  Come,  gentlemen,  it  is 
nearly  eight  o'clock,  and  as  you  are  aware  that  our  crew 
are  not  under  the  best  state  of  discipline,  it  will  be  ne 
cessary  for  us  to  repair  on  deck  and  regulate  the  watch. 
This  duty  must  fall  on  us  to-night,  for  no  doubt  there 
are  some  of  our  lads  that  will  try  to  give  us  the  slip. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

This  must  be  prevented,  if  possible,  by  keeping  a  strict 
look-out,  and  securing  the  boats  to  the  davits." 

The  petty  officers  were  called,  and  the  watches  being 
divided  into  four,  with  four  officers  in  each  watch,  they 
all  went  on  deck  ;  and  after  securing  the  boats,  orders 
were  given  to  the  crew,  that  they  might  all  go  below 
and  tain  in,  and  be  ready  for  an  early  turn  out  in  the 
morning.  The  greater  part  obeyed  this  order  cheer- 
fully  ;  there  were  some,  however,  who  seemed  disposed 
to  ban-  back,  choosing  rather  to  take  up  their  lodgings 
ou  the°soft  side  of  a  plank,  than  to  be  crammed  into  so 
Bmall  a  compass  with  so  large  a  number  of  human 
beings.  The  order,  however,  was  peremptory,  and  they 
reluctantly  obeyed,  after  which  the  gratings  were  put 
on  and  secured. 

5 


CHAPTER    V. 

THE    ANCHOR  WATCH  —  CON VERSATION  BETWEEN  THE    TWO 

SEAMEN. 

THE  heavy  sound  of  cannon  from  the  different  vessels 
of  war  now  lying  in  port,  as  well  as  from  the  batteries, 
came  rolling  along  the  water,  and  the  well-known  cry 
of  "All's  well,"  from  the  distinct  but  hoarse  voice  of 
the  sentinel,  proclaimed  the  hour  to  be  eight  o'clock. 
The  night  was  clear  and  cloudless,  except  a  few  white 
streaks,  in  the  northeast,  (known  to  the  seamen  by  the 
name  of  a  "  mackerel  sky,")  indicating  that  the  wind 
would  shortly  blow  from  that  quarter.  The  deep  sound 
of  the  cannon  was  now  lost  in  the  distance,  and  as  the 
voice  of  the  sentinel  was  also  hushed,  a  universal  still 
ness  prevailed  ;  for  although  not  more  than  three  quar 
ters  of  an  hour  had  elapsed  since  the  gratings  were 
secured,  yet  the  whole  space  of  the  berth-deck,  where 
so  many  human  beings  were  incarcerated,  was  silent  as 
the  grave. 

The  watch  having  been  set,  the  first  lieutenant  man 
aged  to  have  the  boatswain  and  the  young  man  (in 
whom  he  seemed  to  repose  great  confidence,)  in  the 
last  anchor  watch  —  that  is,  from  two  until  four,  A.  M. 

50 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  61 

—  with  orders  to  call  all  hands  when  the  watch  was  out. 
The  anchor  watch  differs  materially  from  the  sea  watch ; 
also  in  point  of  the  number  contained  in  an  anchor 
watch,  vessels  of  war  differ  from  those  of  merchant 
vessels,  the  former  having  by  far  a  greater  number  of 
men.  When  a  ship  or  vessel  leaves  port,  the  crew  are 
equally  divided  into  what  is  called  "  watch  and  watch," 
having  four  hours  alternately  on  deck  and  below,  with 
the  exception  of  the  watch  from  four  to  eight,  P.  M. 
This  is  divided  into  two  watches,  denominated  by  the 
seamen,  "  dog  watches,"  for  the  purpose  of  giving  each 
watch  eight  hours  below  every  other  night.  The  anchor 
watch  in  the  present  instance  contained  but  four  men, 
for  the  reason  before-mentioned ;  this  number  in  gen 
eral,  is  sufficient,  especially  when  a  vessel  is  riding  to 
an  anchor  in  a  good  roadstead  or  harbor,  with  but  one 
anchor  down,  where  there  is  no  tideway.  If,  however, 
there  is  a  strong  tide,  with  an  open  roadstead  or  harbor, 
then  the  vessel  is  generally  moored,  that  is,  one  anchor 
is  let  go,  so  that  she  may  tend  to  the  flood  ;  the  other 
is  carried  out  in  the  launch  and  let  go,  so  that  she  may 
swing  to  the  ebb-tide.  This  is  done  for  the  purpose  of 
keeping  the  ship  so  that  she  may  not  foul  her  anchor, 
that  is,  get  a  turn  with  the  cable  round  the  stocks.  In 
this  case,  if  the  wind  should  blow  hard,  the  anchor 
would  not  be  likely  to  hold  on.  Judgment  and  sea 
manship  are  required  by  those  who  keep  an  anchor 
watch  in  a  tide-way ;  for  the  vessel  is  only  kept 
clear  of  her  anchor  by  some  one  of  the  sails  and 
helm. 


52  THE    AMERICAN    CEUISEB. 

The  night  wore  away  without  any  thing  material 
transpiring,  and  at  two,  A.  M.,  according  to  appoint 
ment,,  the  boatswain  and  young  seaman,  with  two  prize- 
masters,  took  their  stations  on  deck ;  the  two  former 
taking  the  look-out  forward  and  the  others  aft.  The 
two  tars  remained  for  a  few  moments  without  speaking 
a  word,  steadfastly  gazing  on  the  weather  ;  for  by  this 
time  the  sky  was  overspread  with  the  scud,  and  heavy, 
broken  clouds  hove  up  in  the  northeast.  The  boatswain 
broke  silence  by  observing  : 

"  I  '11  miss  my  reck'ning,  lad,  if  this  craft  goes  to 
sea  to-day.  Look  yonder  at  that  dark  cloud  ;  before 
all  hands  are  piped  to  breakfast,  we  '11  have  a  whistle 
from  that  quarter.  And  by  the  way,"  continued  he, 
"  if  it  should  be  as  it  was  yesterday,  we  are  in  no  con 
dition  to  go  to  sea.  I  've  been  in  all  kinds  of  craft, 
from  a  line-of-battle  ship  down  to  an  oyster  boat.  I've 
been  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  boxing  the  compass  up 
and  down,  fair  weather  and  foul,  with  all  sorts  of  chaps, 
for  more  than  twenty  years ;  but  in  all  my  going  to  sea, 
I  never  met  with  such  a  craft  as  this,  and  such  a  set  of 
cut-throats  and  pirates  as  we  have  here.  And  between 
you  and  I,  messmate,  I  can  tell  a  sailor  as  soon  as  I  get 
a  squint  at  his  upper  works ;  and  let  me  tell  you,  there 
are  not  above  twenty  on  board  of  this  craft  can  take 
the  helm,  and  as  to  the  gentlemen  aft,  they  may  or  may 
not  be  good  sailors  or  good  officers,  but  there 's  none  of 
them  takes  my  fancy  but  the  first  lieutenant.  As  for 
them  prize-masters,  why  they  '11  do  to  eat  up  the  grub, 
and  stow  awsty  the  grog  ;  but  after  they  get  aboard  of 


*» 

THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  53 

a  prize  they  swagger,  talk  big,  drink  brandy,  and  so  get 
out  of  their  reck'ning,  and  by  their  bad  management, 
are  re-taken  ;  and  so  many  a  poor  sailor  will  be  thrown 
into  prison  during  the  whole  war.  Now  what  is  your 
opinion  ?  " 

"  Why,"  observed  the  young  seaman,  "  I  did  not 
expect  to  find  as  good  a  state  of  discipline  and  order, 
as  on  board  of  a  regular  man-of-war,  but  I  assure  you  I 
was  wholly  unprepared  for  such  a  state  of  things  as  we 
have  seen  here  —  so  much  insubordination,  and  so  little 
command,  that  I  confess  to  you  I  have  had  many  mis 
givings  ;  for  the  truth  is,  my  opinion  about  the  gen 
tlemen  aft,  agrees  with  your  own  :  and  if  this  crew  is 
brought  under  any  tolerable  state  of  discipline,  it  will 
require  great  firmness  to  effect  it.  I  have  thought  if 
by  chance  we  should  fall  in  with  an  enemy's  force, 
equal,  or  perhaps  inferior  to  our  own,  shortly  after  we 
leave  port,  with  the  crew  little  better  than  they  are,  at 
present,  why  then  I  say  we  should  neither  make  a  pro 
fitable  business  of  it  nor  acquire  much  honor  to  the 
American  flag." 

"  Come,  come,  messmate,"  replied  the  boatswain, 
somewhat  startled  at  the  last  observation  of  his  com 
panion,  "  we  can't  always  tell  what  a  chap  is  by  his 
looks,  though  for  the  matter  of  that,  I  am  not  often 
deceived  that  way ;  for  there's  that  knotty,  hickory- 
faced  little  skipper  of  this  craft,  that  we  saw  at  the  ren 
dezvous  the  other  day ;  why  he  looks  more  like  a  country 
grave-digger,  than  captain  of  a  privateer ;  and  yet  they 
say  he  is  all  courage  and  will  fight  any  thing." 
5* 


AMERICAN    CRUISE'K. 


The  young  seaman  replied  by  saying  that  courage 
"  was  an  excellent  trait  in  the  commander  of  a  cruiser. 
but  then  what  is  courage  when  judgment  and  prudence 
are  wanting?  I  do  not  mean  that  the  latter  should 
be  extreme,  because  it  must  always  be  regulated  by 
the  former.  When  these  three,  therefore,  are  com 
bined  in  the  superior  of  an  armed  vessel,  they  will 
greatly  overbalance  the  incapacity  of  .the  inferior  offi 
cers  and  crew.  If,  therefore,  this  should  be  the  char 
acter  of  our  commander,  the  cruise  may  turn  out  well  ; 
and  perhaps  we  shah1  not  have  to  regret  having  joined 
this  craft  ;  but,"  he  continued,  (shifting  the  conversa 
tion,)  "  what  do  you  think  of  privateering  as  a  mode 
of  warfare  ?  " 

"  Why,  I've  not  much  opinion  of  war  any  how,"  re 
plied  the  boatswain,  "  for  it  is  chaps  like  us  that  carry 
it  on,  and  get  all  the  hard  knocks,  and  them  that  never 
smell  gunpowder  or  bang  salt  water,  generally  run  away 
with  all  the  whack  and  honor,  if  there's  any  honor  in 
fighting  ;  but  as  to  privateering,  I  think  it  is  better 
for  chaps  like  us  to  fight  in  this  way  than  in  a  man-of- 
war,  for  d'ye  see,  here  we  get  some  prize-money,  but  in 
a  regular  man-of-war,  although  there  is  more  than  a 
general  average  in  the  killed  and  wounded  among  the 
sailors,  yet  there  is  always  a  particular  average  hi  shar 
ing  money  among  the  officers  of  a  man-of-war." 

"  That  may  be  very  true,"  replied  the  young  seaman  ; 
"  nevertheless,  the  more  I  reflect  on  this  mode  of  warfare 
the  less  I  think  of  it  ;  and  now  that  we  are  upon  this 
subject,  I  will  give  you  my  opinion  about  this  matter. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  55 

War,  then,  is  a  great  evil,  even  when  it  is  known  to  be 
most  necessary.  It  oftentimes  happens,  however,  that 
nations  go  to  war  merely  through  pride  and  amhition ; 
this  is  truly  dreadful,  when  we  reflect  upon  the  results. 
In  the  present  war,  however,  America  had  been  driven 
to  this  measure,  as  the  last  hope  of  obtaining  redress 
for  wrongs  long  committed  on  her  commerce,  and  for 
violations  of  the  best  rights  of  man,  by  dragging  him 
from  under  the  protection  of  his  own  flag  in  despite  of 
his  own  nativity,  as  shown  by  passports  and  protection, 
given  by  the  constituted  authorities  of  his  own  country. 
Long  has  America  borne  with  these  insults ;  remon 
strance  after  remonstrance  has  failed,  and  now  the 
tocsin  is  sounded,  war  is  proclaimed,  and  all  my  powers 
and  energies  shall  be  employed  in  supporting  free  trade 
and  sailor's  rights ;  but  you  must  pardon  me,  for  I  be 
lieve  I  have  got  off  my  course.  Well  then,  in  regard 
to  privateering  as  a  mode  of  warfare.  In  the  first  place, 
regular  government  vessels  are  manned  and  equipped, 
mainly,  to  contend  with  the  enemy's  vessels  of  the  same 
class ;  and  it  rarely  ever  happens  that  a  man-of-war,  in 
the  time  of  hostilities,  cruises  exclusively  for  the  pur 
pose  of  capturing  merchantmen.  It  is  true,  if  they  fall 
in  with  them  of  course  they  make  captures.  This  is  gen 
erally  effected  without  loss  of  life.  Now  the  case  is  en 
tirely  different  with  privateers.  Their  entire  object  is  to 
cruise,  and  capture  merchant  vessels,  and  avoid,  if  pos 
sible,  everything  in  the  shape  of  a  man-of-war,  unless  it 
is  a  very  inferior  force,  and  you  are  aware  that  a  mer 
chant  vessel,  pursuing  a  lawful  trade,  with  a  small  com- 


56  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

plement  of  men  and  a  few  guns,  often  defends  itself  to 
the  last.  Here,  then,  is  great  loss  of  life,  and  not  only 
so,  but  after  the  capture  is  made,  the  desperadoes  which 
mostly  compose  the  crews  of  privateers,  commit  scenes 
of  robbery  and  plunder  upon  the  vessel  and  the  inno 
cent  victims  of  their  fury,  the  bare  thought  of  which 
makes  the  heart  to  sicken  and  bleed.  Where,  then,  I 
ask,  is  the  honor  connected  with  this  mode  of  warfare  ? 
To  be  sure  there  are  honorable  exceptions  in  privateers, 
and  among  their  officers  and  crews  ;  and  it  is  well  there 
are ;  if  it  were  not  for  these  exceptions,  their  name 
would  be  infamous,  their  character  despised,  and  they 
would  be  shunned  by  all  good  men,  and  become  a  by 
word  and  reproach  in  every  community." 

"  I  believe  you  are  right,"  replied  the  boatswain, 
thoughtfully,  "  but  if  we  had  this  bit  of  small  talk  on  the 
battery  yonder,  why  then  we  should  'nt  been  keeping 
this  morning  watch ;  howsomever,  we  are  here,  that's 
sartain,  and  my  fashion  is  always  to  make  the  best  of  a 
bad  bargain ;  any  way,  there's  two  chaps  on  board  this 
craft  that  can  do  their  duty  fair  weather  or  foul,  aye, 
that  won't  dodge  at  a  shot,  and,  side  and  side,  can  board 
the  enemy." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  young  seaman,  passionately  inter 
rupting  him,  "  and  after  the  enemy,  is  captured  they 
will  never  bring  disgrace  or  dishonor  on  the  name  or 
character  of  a  seaman,  by  robbing  and  plundering  a 
conquered  foe.  I  believe  we  are  both  somewhat  disap 
pointed,"  he  continued  ;  "  however,  I  have  always  no 
ticed  on  board  of  a  regular  man-of-war,  that  when 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  57 

the  first  lieutenant  and  boatswain  understand  them 
selves,  the  ship  is  not  only  always  neat  and  in  good 
order,  but  she  is  always  under  the  best  state  of  dis 
cipline,  and  if  that  rule  holds  good,  we  shall  not  regret 
having  entered  on  board  of  this  privateer  ;  but  see,  the 
day  is  breaking,  and  look,  the  sand  in  the  half  hour 
glass  has  nearly  run  out ;  thus  is  human  life.  Yon 
unconscious  multitude  that  has  slept  serene  and  quiet, 
prefiguring  the  image  of  death,  will  soon  rise  to 
scenes  of  active  life,  and  many  too,  like  that  ray  of 
light  which  we  now  behold,  will  spring  forth  into  new 
existence ;  but,  alas !  how  strongly  are  we  reminded 
by  this  little  half-hour  glass,  that  the  sand  of  human 
life  will  soon  run  out,  and  man  shall  sleep  the  long 
sleep  of  death,  and  like  that  glass  will  remain  still." 

"  Well,  I've  a  notion,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  that 
this  kind  of  lingo  and  these  kind  of  thoughts  won't 
be  heard  every  day  on  board  this  craft ;  no,  no,  I 
just  think  that  something  very  different  will  be  heard 
every  day  forward  and  aft.  But  how  is  it,  lad,  that 
you  have  larnt  how  to  talk  in  this  way  ?  " 

"  Why,"  replied  the  young  seaman,  "  the  associations 
which  have  been  presented  to  my  mind  have  forci 
bly  called  up  to  my  recollection  former  days,  when, 
blessed  with  the  confidence  and  love  of  those  who 
gave  me  being,  and  wh'o  bestowed  on  me  an  educa 
tion  and  every  enjoyment  that  wealth  and  the  high 
est  principles  of  virtue  and  honor  could  give ;  I  was 
happy  then,  in  the  rectitude  of  my  actions ;  all  the 
affections  of  my  heart  seemed  to  flow  into  a  channel 


58  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

of  love  toward  those  dear  objects,  and  in  return  they 
lavished  upon  me  a  full  share  of  indulgence  and  es 
teem ;  but," — at  this  moment  eight  bells  were  struck 
from  the  different  vessels  in  the  harbor,  the  heavy 
cannon  was  heard,  the  sound  of  which  reverberated 
along  the  East  River,  proclaiming  the  well-known 
daylight  gun.  The  sand  in  the  half-hour  glass  had 
run  out;  it  was  four  o'clock,  and  the  boatswain  wound 
his  call  three  tunes,  with  the  accompaniment  at  each, 
in  a  tremendous  hoarse  cry,  of  "  All  hands  on  deck, 
ahoy ! "  The  officers  were  also  called,  the  gratings 
taken  off",  and  in  less  than  half  an  hour,  the  priva 
teer's  decks  were  crowded  with  a  living  mass  of  hu 
man  beings. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

MORNING  DUTIES,  PREPARATION   FOR  SEA,   STATIONS,  ETC. 

THE  north-easter,  according  to  the  predictions  of  the 
ooatswain,  had  already  set  in,  and  blew  fresh ;  the 
neavens  were  entirely  overcast,  threatening  a  severe 
fall  of  rain.  The  crew  now  presented  a  very  different 
appearance  from  what  they  wore  on  the  previous  day. 
All  were  sober,  and  the  presence  and  commanding  firm 
ness  of  the  first  lieutenant  made  not  only  a  powerful 
impression  upon  the  crew,  but  seemed  also  to  inspire 
the  officers  with  a  confidence  and  energy  very  different 
from  that  which  had  been  exhibited  by  them  since  the 
two  seamen  came  on  board. 

The  customary  duties  of  the  morning  were  now  being 
performed,  and  although  it  was  not  done  with  that  sys 
tem  and  regularity  with  which  this  duty  is  carried  on 
on  board  of  a  man-of-war,  yet  the  promptness  and  alac 
rity  in  obeying  every  command,  called  forth  a  word  of 
approbation  from  the  first  lieutenant.  The  decks  un 
derwent  the  process  of  holystoning.  To  make  it  more 
intelligible,  it  may  be  observed  that  these  are  soft  sand 
stones,  weighing  about  one  hundred  pounds  each,  with 
a  flat  surface  ;  at  each  end  is  an  iron  ring,  to  which  is 

59 


60  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

attached  a  rope  or  lanyard ;  two  or  three  men  take  hold 
of  each  rope,  and  by  drawing  them  forward  and  aft,  after 
the  deck  is  wet  and  well  sprinkled  with  sand,  they  ren 
der  it  as  white  and  clean  as  the  most  fastidious  lady 
could  wish  her  parlor.  This  operation  continued  about 
one  hour,  during  which  every  thing  was  moved  so  as  to 
give  a  fair  opportunity  of  cleansing  the  decks  tho 
roughly. 

The  Lieutenant,  having  charge  of  different  sectiona 
of  the  deck,  and  of  course  different  portions  of  duty, 
it  was  not  long  before  a  material  change  was  ex 
hibited  in  the  appearance  of  the  deck,  as  well  as 
every  part  of  the  privateer,  for  not  only  was  the  inside 
cleansed,  but  the  outside  also.  The  sails  were  stowed 
into  cloths,  the  yards  were  squared  by  the  lifts  and 
braces,  and  every  rope  was  hauled  taut,  so  that  at  seven 
bells  the  practised  eye  of  the  able  seaman  could  not 
detect  a  deficiency  in  the  neat  and  ship-shape  order  of 
the  Cruiser.  As  this  was  the  hour  for  breakfast,  the 
well-known  sound  of  the  boatswain's  whistle  proclaimed 
it  to  the  no  small  satisfaction  of  the  crew,  and  while 
this  meal  was  being  hi  operation  fore  and  aft,  the  petty 
officers,  among  whom  were  the  boatswain  and  young 
seaman,  expressed  great  satisfaction  at  the  alteration 
for  the  better  which  was  made  in  the  privateer,  in  so 
short  time. 

"  This  is  all  owing  to  the  first  lieutenant,"  replied 
the  boatswain.  "  He  has  given  new  life  and  energy 
to  all  on  board." 

"  It  is  certainly  true,"  replied  the  young  seaman, 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  61 

"  that  he  is  a  man  of  firmness  .and  decision,  and  under 
stands  the  duties  of  his  station,  but  then  he  has  been 
aided  in  the  execution  of  his  duties  this  morning,  and 
my  old  friend  and  messmate  will  not  charge  me  with 
flattery,  when  I  say  that  the  carrying  into  effect  of  a 
large  share  of  that  duty,  devolved  on  his  ability  and 
firmness." 

"  Well,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  if  I  did  not  know 
that  it  was  not  your  fashion  t»  make  fun,  I  should  think 
you  were  pouring  soft  soap  down  my  back.  I  did  no 
more  than  my  duty,  lad,  and  that  is  just  what  I  intend 
to  carry  out  during  this  cruise." 

"After  what  I  have  seen  this  morning,"  said  the 
young  seaman,  "  I  feel  much  better  reconciled  ;  and  if 
our  Commander  proves  to  be  the  man  he  is  represented, 
no  doubt  we  shall  have  a  successful  cruise." 

These  and  other  desultory  matters  were  discussed 
until  the  breakfast  hour  was  concluded,  and  again  all 
hands  were  piped  on  deck. 

If  it  was  a  matter  of  surprise  to  behold  the  material 
change  made  in  the  privateer,  in  so  short  a  space  of 
time  as  a  morning  watch,  the  boatswain  and  young 
seaman  could  not  but  admire  the  ability  and  experience, 
manifested  by  the  first  lieutenant,  in  the  arrangements 
which  were  made,  and  the  orders  given  to  get  the 
Cruiser  in  readiness  for  sea.  In  the  first  place  then, 
the  hammocks  were  piped  up,  and  stowed  away  in  the 
nettings  ;  captains  of  the  hold  were  appointed  to  regu 
late  the  berth-deck  ;  the  gunner  and  his  crew  put  the 
large  guns  in  order,  and  all  the  paraphernalia  attached 
6 


J2  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

to  them,  so  that  the  armament  in  a  short  time  tinder- 
went  a  radical  change,  and  presented  as  neat  a  little 
battery,  as  any  other  private  armed  vessel.  The  car 
penter  and  his  gang  overhauled  boats,  spars,  pump- 
gear,  &c.  &v,. ,  the  sailmaker  overhauled  the  sails,  and 
the  boatswain  discharged  the  duty  assigned  to  him  with 
a  management  and  ability  seldom  witnessed  by  offi 
cers  of  this  grade  in  privateers.  While  the  petty 
officers  were  discharging  •  their  several  duties,  others 
were  employed  in  stretching  the  boarding  netting 
around  the  Cruiser,  and  seizing  them  into  battens  pre 
pared  for  that  .purpose ;  on  each  side  of  the  trunk  were 
strongly  secured  two  arm-chests  with  fifty  stand  of 
muskets  in  each,  covered  with  tarpaulins  to  prevent 
their  being  injured  by  the  rain  and  dashing  spray  ;  in 
the  Captain's  cabin,  pistols,  cutlasses,  polished  in  the 
highest  style,  were  neatly  arranged  in  circular  form, 
and  presented  a  handsome  and  warlike  appearance. 
Here  too  was  the  magazine,  the  entrance  to"  which  was 
safely  guarded,  by  covering  the  entire  scuttle  with  lead, 
and  a  screen  was  run  athwart  the  cabin,  to  drop  in  the 
time  of  action,  as  a  preventive  from  fire  ;  many  also 
were  employed  in  fitting  preventer  slings,  for  the  yards, 
gaffs,  &c.,  also  stoppers  for  the  rigging;  all  the  stud 
ding-sail  gear,  yard  ropes,  and  deck  tackles  were  rove, 
and  the  bandages  or  chafing  gear,  such  as  leathers, 
mats,  battens,  &c.,  were  put  on  the  rigging  to  prevent 
rubbing  or  chafing  from  the  motion  of  the  vessel,  and 
as  it  is  well-known  to  every  seaman,  although  in  some 
instances  many  hands  make  light  as  well  as  quick  work, 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  63 

yet  here  was  an  exception  to  the  general  rule,  conse 
quently,  it  took  some  time  to  accomplish  the  work 
before  described,  nor  was  it  effected  until  late  in  the 
afternoon.  At  four,  P.  M.,  however,  every  thing  was 
in  its  place,  and  there  was  a  place  for  every  thing, 
All  were  securely  lashed  about  the  upper  deck,  all 
was  arranged  and  secured  on  the  berth-deck  ;•  in  short, 
all  was  in  a  state  of  preparation,  with  the  exception  of 
stationing  the  men,  to  proceed  immediately  to  sea,  after 
the  Commander  was  on  board. 

There  is  nothing  that  imports  more  pleasure  to  a 
good  officer,  than  to  have  a  ship  in  fine  order,  and 
although  the  first  lieutenant  did  not  relax  in  the  least, 
any  of  that  unbending  discipline  which  had  charac 
terized  his  movements  in  the  fore  part  of  this  day,  yet 
it  was  evident  from  his  looks  that  he  felt  satisfied  with 
the  condition  of  the  Cruiser,  especially  as  this  was  the 
hour  appointed  for  the  boat  to  be  sent  on  shore  for 
the  Commander  and  his  luggage  ;  consequently  prepara 
tions  were  being  made  for  his  reception,  as  became  the 
rank  and  station  of  a  captain  of  an  armed  vessel. 

Perhaps  no  monarch  is  more  absolute  in  holding  the 
reins,  or  dispensing  the  offices  of  government  in  the 
state,  than  a  captain  of  a  ship  is  over  those  who  compose 
his  crew.  If  the  disposition  of  the  potentate  be  ar 
bitrary  and  tyrannical,  his  acts  are  in  accordance,  and 
his  subjects  are  made  to  feel  the  effects  of  those 
malevolent  passions ;  it  is  just  so  with  the  captain 
of  a  vessel,  with  this  single  exception,  it  often  happens 
that  the  latter  is  an  uneducated  man.  Now  such 


64  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

being  clothed  with  supreme  authority,  generally  exact 
the  most  scrupulous,  and  often  the  most  servile  respect 
from  those  under  their  command,  and  in  default  thereof 
punishment  is  inflicted  according  to  the  magnitude  of 
the  offence.  The  mode  of  this  punishment  is  that 
which  a  sailor  calls  "  working  up,"  or  doing  unnecessary 
work;  sometimes  it  consists  in  keeping  all  hands  on 
deck  during  the  entire  day,  or  in  stopping  the  grog ; 
these  three  are  even  worse  to  a  sailor  than  corporeal 
punishment.  In  short,  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  com 
mander  to  make  his  crew  happy  or  miserable.  I  have 
myself  been  placed  in  both  positions.  I  have  seen 
the  crew  of  a  ship  perfectly  happy,  and  at  the  same 
time  there  was  no  relaxation  of  discipline,  the  duties  of 
the  vessel  were  discharged  promptly  and  energetically, 
and  every  command  implicitly  obeyed.  I  have  also 
sailed  with  a  captain  altogether  opposite  in  his  char 
acter,  being  an  uneducated  man,  imperious  and  over 
bearing  in  his  disposition,  and  the  ship  was  by  his  acts 
made  a  prison,  and  the  crew  galley  slaves. 

The  boat  was  now  within  a  few  yards  of  the  Cruiser, 
having  on  board  the  captain  and  his  luggage ;  the 
officers  assembled  round  the  gangway,  the  boatswain 
wound  his  call,  the  side-boys  sprung  out  with  the  man- 
ropes,  the  boat  was  alongside,  the  oars  were  thrown  up 
an  end,  and  in  a  moment  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser 
was  on  deck,  receiving  and  returning  salutations  of 
respect  from  all  the  officers,  after  which  he  proceeded 
aft  with  the  first  lieutenant.  The  Commander  scruti 
nized  every  part  of  the  Cruiser  that  was  then  visible  to 


THE    AMERICAN    CEUISER.  65 

his  eye,  and  he  appeared  perfectly  satisfied  with  her 
condition.  Some  desultory  conversation  ensued  between 
him  and  the  first  lieutenant,  and  it  was  thought  ad 
visable  to  station  the  men  and  choose  the  watches  forth 
with,  as  this  would  be  a  certain  method  of  ascertaining 
if  all  hands  were  on  board.  Accordingly  the  men  were 
mustered,  the  roll  was  called,  the  watches  were  chosen, 
and  the  men  were  appointed  to  the  several  stations  ac 
cording  to  their  appropriate  ability,  as  exhibited  on  the 
shipping  articles ;  the  able  seamen  were  appointed  t«. 
the  forecastle  and  foretop,  •  the  ordinary  seamen  with 
some  green  hands,  to  the  maintop  and  after  guard,  and 
the  stout  greenhorns,  loafers,  &c.  &c.,  as  waisters, 
swabbers,  or  any  other  duty  that  did  not  require  a 
knowledge  of  seamanship.  This  duty  being  performed, 
it  was  determined  by  the  Commander  to  give  tha  lieu 
tenant  of  marines  an  opportunity  of  selecting  twenty 
men  to  act  in  the  capacity  of  marines,  one  of  which 
was  to  be  dubbed  sergeant,  and  two  others  were  to  be 
chosen  to  act  as  drummer  and  fifer.  But  now  a  difficulty 
arose,  for  as  "they  had  neglected  to  ship  a  fifer,  they 
knew  not  whether  there  was  any  on  board  that  could 
perform  this  office.  This  difficulty,  however,  was  soon 
removed,  for  immediately  after  the  question  was  asked 
if  there  was  any  on  board  that  could  play  on  the  fife, 
Jimmy  Ducks  stepped  forward  and  very  modestly  ob 
served  : 

"  Gentlemen,  I  should  like  to  serve  you  in  that  way, 
and  I  wouldn't  mind  to  belong  to  this  here  company,  for 
that's  iust  what  I'm  used  to.     Yes,  I've  fifed  for  a 
6* 


66  THE  AMERICAN  CRUISER. 

volunteer  company  in  York,  a  many  a  long  year,  and  if 
you  don't  believe  me,  why  let  me  go  and  get  my  fife 
which  I  always  takes  with  me,  to  drive  away  my 
melancholy,  for  I  'm  very  much  given  to  the  glooms, 
gentlemen." 

Jimmy's  appearance  and  certainly  his  countenance 
did  not  prove  the  truth  of  the  last  assertion,  for  it  was 
uttered  in  a  kind  of  smothered  laugh.  Jimmy  soon 
produced  his  fife,  and  was  ordered  to  give  an  exhibition 
of  his  musical  powers.  He  did  so,  by  playing  the 
double  drag  to  the  tune  of  "  St  Patrick's  day  in  the 
morning."  The  music,  as  well  as  the  time,  which  he 
kept  with  his  feet  by  stamping  on  the  deck  at  the  sound 
of  each  note,  without  the  least  regard  to  the  rules  of 
music,  perfectly  astonished  and  delighted  his  hearers, 
who  probably  were  not  the  best  judges  of  harmony  and 
music.  After  blowing  some  time,  Jimmy  stopped  to 
get  breath,  as  well  as  to  get  his  features  restored  to 
their  wonted  placidity,'  for  during  the  time  of  playing 
they  were  awfully  distorted,  especially  his  cheeks,  which 
were  so  much  inflated  by  the  wind  which  he  endeavored 
to  blow  into  the  fife,  that  they  were  swollen  out  to  an 
enormous  bulk.  When  Jimmy  had  sufficient  time  to 
rest,  he  was  ordered  to  continue  his  music,  and  he  forth 
with  struck  up  the  old  tune  of  Fisher's  Hornpipe,  to  the 
great  delight  of  the  crew,  but  especially  of  the  cook's 
mate,  (a  Long  Island  mulatto,)  whose  legs  and  feet 
caught  the  inspiration,  and  irresistibly  led  him  off  into 
a  rapid  double  shuffle.  The  sound  of  the  mulatto's  feet 
struck  full  upon  the  ear  of  the  fifer,  when  he  involun- 


THE    AMEKICAN    CRUISER.  69 

tarily  turned  round  and  beheld  the  effects  produced  by 
his  fife  in  the  concord  of  sweet  sounds.  The  pipped 
eyes,  inflated  nostrils,  thick  lips,  woolly  head,  and  flat 
feet  as  well  as  the  rapid  movement  of  the  cook's  mate, 
was  too  much  for  poor  Jimmy ;  his  small  eyes  closed, 
his  large  mouth  opened  and  expanded  nearly  from  ear 
to  ear,  his  whole,  frame  was  convulsed,  and  dropping  his 
fife  on  deck,  he  broke  out  into  an  immoderate  fit  of 
laughter,  exclaiming  at  intervals,  "  This  is  not  the  first 
time  my  fife  has  made  a  nigger  dance."  Jimmy 
being  so  well  satisfied  with  his  own  performance, 
was  compelled  to  make  another  of  the  dancing  party. 
The  infection  soon  spread  fore  and  aft,  and  the  quarter 
deck  as  well  as  the  mam  were  now  in  one  general  burst 
of  roar  and  merriment,  for  all  eyes  were  fixed  on  Jimmy 
Ducks,  or  "  Laughing  Jimmy,"  as  he  was  now  called. 
His  naturally  comical  appearance,  but  especially  his 
face,  was  rendered  doubly  so  by  his  rapid  movement, 
and  immoderate  laugh ;  his  short  legs  were  taxed  to  the 
utmost  of  their  power  in  supporting  an  unusually  long 
body,  which,  by  its  size  and  great  weight,  irresistibly 
compelled  a  kind  of  movement  similar  to  that  of  bobbing 
up  and  down.  It  is  uncertain  how  long  this  state  of 
things  would  have  lasted,  if  the  sun-down  gun  from  the 
man  of  war  had  not  been  discharged,  which  reminded 
the  officers  that  the  colors  were  not  yet  hauled  down. 
Silence  was  therefore  proclaimed,  the  colors  were 
lowered  down,  and  the  boatswain  piped  to  supper. 

Jimmy  Ducks  had  now  become  a  favorite,  and  was 
undoubtedly,  in  the  estimation  of  the  sailors,  a  great 


70  THE    AMEKICAN    CRUISER. 

acquisition  to  the  Cruiser ;  nor  was  this  feeling  exclusive 
to  them :  the  officers,  but  especially  the  Commander, 
partook  largely  of  the  same  spirit,  and  he  had  good 
reason,  as  will  be  seen  hereafter. 

It  is  said  by  the  inspired  writers,  that  "  there  is  a 
time  to  play,  and  a  tune  to  dance ; "  certainly  there 
could  not  have  been  a  more  appropriate  or  proper  tune, 
for  the  scene  which  has  been  described  to  be  enacted  ; 
because,  all  who  are  acquainted  with  sailors,  are  aware 
that  those  who  become  at  all  disaffected,  always  select 
the  last  night  in  port,  to  "  tip  the  dodge,"  as  they  term 
it,  or  in  other  words,  run  away.  Now  the  musical 
powers  and  almost  inimitable  drollery  of  Jimmy  had 
inspired  the  crew  with  such  a  degree  of  contentment  and 
cheerfulness,  that  it  not  only  reconciled,  (at  least  in 
appearance,)  all  who  might  have  been  discontented,  but 
it  also  gave  life  and  spirit  to  the  execution  of  every 
duty  on  board  the  Cruiser.  The  boatswain  too,  was 
among  those  who  were  highly  gratified.  "That's  a 
rum  chap,"  observed  he  to  the  young  seaman.  "  I  see 
by  the  cut  of  his  jib  that  he 's  more  knave  than  fool ; 
aye,  aye,  that  whistling  and  grinning  will  get  him  clear 
of  many  an  odd  job  this  cruise.  I  think  he'd  make  a 
good  figure-head  for  a  ship,  for  them  short  pins,  and 
long  hull,  with  that  pretty  face,  would  look  well  on  a 
ship's  bow,  and  then,  lad,  that  pretty  little  opening  of 
his  stretched  out,  would  invite  all  the  dolphins,  bonetta, 
&c.,  alongside,  in  whatever  ocean  she  might  sail." 

Now  the  young  seaman,  although  he  had  not  much  of 
a  taste  for  buffoonery,  acknowledged  himself  gratified 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISKE.  71 

that  "Laughing  Jimmy"  was  on  board,  because  it  had 
a  good  effect  upon  the  crew. 

The  anchor  watch  was  set,  as  on  the  preceding  night, 
and  the  same  precaution  taken  with  the  crew,  and 
before  two  bells  were  struck,  all  hands  were  locked  in 
sleep,  (except  the  deck  officers,)  and  profound  silence 
reigned  throughout  the  Cruiser. 


CHAPTER  TO. 

REFLECTIONS,  GETTING  UNDER  WAY,  FIRST  NIGHT  OUT,  ETC. 

THE  sun  rose  this  morning  in  a  clear  and  cloudless 
sky,  and  the  elements  were  propitious.  The  northwest 
gale  blew  briskly,  and  every  thing  appeared  conducive 
to  the  supposition  that  the  future  would  be  bright  and 
fair.  Indeed,  such  was  the  condition  of  the  winds, 
weather,  the  fine  appearance  of  the  Cruiser,  and  the 
universal  harmony  that  now  prevailed  among  the  crew, 
that  it  roused  up  the  latent  feelings  of  superstition,  not 
only  common  among  the  more  ignorant  and  unlearned 
sailors,  but  also  among  those  in  the  cabin ;  for  whatever 
may  be  the  education  of  a  seaman,  or  his  opportunities 
for  mingling  in  society,  yet  if  he  has  followed  an  ocean 
life  for  any  length  of  tune,  he  will  become  more  or  less 
tinctured  with  this  belief  without  evidence.  Thus  it 
was  in  the  present  instance,  fore  and  aft ;  for  they 
looked  on  the  bright  side,  nor  calculated  the  chances  of 
disappointment,  but  were  most  sanguine  from  present 
circumstances,  of  a  successful  and  brilliant  cruise. 
Even  the  boatswain,  although  of  a  cooler  temperament, 
expressed  his  hearty  belief  that  they  would  have  good 
luck. 

72 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  73 

"Look  at  yon  sun,"  observed  the  young  seaman, 
"  and  see  how  brightly  he  shines,  and  how  rapidly  he 
ascends  to  the  meridian ;  presently  he  will  descend,  and 
as  rapidly  will  he  sink  beneath  the  western  horizon,  and 
disappear  from  our  view.  Have  you  never  seen  a 
morning  as  clear,  and  that  sun  as  bright  as  it  is  now, 
yet  ere  he  had  peformed  half  his  daily  round,  was  to 
tally  obscured,  and  the  heavens  overspread  with  black 
ness,  while  howling  winds  spent  their  fury  on  the  bark  ? 
Oh  yes !  the  brightest  and  the  fairest  prospects  are 
often  blasted,  or  at  best,  how  fleeting  and  transitory  are 
our  highest  pleasures,  and  even  our  rational  gratifica 
tions  when  restricted  by  time.  Man's  life  too,,  how 
short,  though  it  may  be  prolonged  to  an  advanced  age, 
yet  many  of  his  years,  as  truly  expressed  by  the  Psalm 
ist,  are  labor  and  sorrow,  and  they  soon  fly  away. 
See  those  trees  yonder  ;  a  few  short  months  and  you 
saw  them  flourishing  with  foliage,  grateful  to  the  eye, 
and  presently  the  buds  broke  forth  into  a  thousand  va 
riegated  blossoms,  while  the  genial  heat  of  the  summer's 
sun,  and  the  dews  and  rains  of  heaven's  gift  produced 
abundant  fruit.  Where  now  is  that  fruit  ?  Where 
now  are  those  buds  and  blossoms,  and  the  green  foliage  ? 
They  have  passed  away ;  and  see,  those  leaves  are  fall 
ing  off  from  the  branches,  and  instead  of  the  beautiful 
green  they  have,  for  lack  of  strength,  assumed  the  more 
sickly  hue  of  brown  and  yellow.  Presently  the 
frosts  of  winter  will  strip  those  branches,  and  nought 
will  soon  be  left  but  the  leafless  tree  and  lifeless  trunk, 
like  the  silent  mound  in  the  grave-yard,  that  indicates 
7 


74  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

the  remains  of  one  in  whom  life  and  animation  once  dwelt, 
and  imparted  happiness  to  the  sphere  in  which  he 
moved.  Thus  it  is  with  man :  in  the  spring  time  of  life, 
the  opening  bud  and  youthful  blossom  knows  no  care, 
but  looks  forward  to  the  summer's  ripening  sun  for  an 
abundant  crop  of  happiness,  nor  once  dreams  of  those 
casualties  which  meet  us  at  almost  every  step :  afflic 
tion's  withering  grasp,  and  a  thousand  shocks  which, 
like  the  blighting  mildew,  blasts  the  fair  prospects  of 
youthful  hope  and  leaves  no  trace  of  that  bliss  which 
expectation  wrought  in  the  young  mind." 

"  Come,"  said  the  boatswain,  "  you  know  I've  not 
much  laming,  but  I've  been  overhauling  this  talk,  and 
if  I  did  'nt  know  there  was  no  flinch  or  dodge  in  you,  I 
should  begin  to  think  you  were  for  backing  out ;  why, 
to  be  sure,  I  suppose  it  is  true  what  you  say,  but  my 
fashion  is  to  take  the  world  and  things  as  they  come  ; 
but  God  knows  there  is  more  of  the  bad  than  the  good, 
and  hark  'ee  lad,  I  don't  want  to  take  things  that's  bad 
upon  interest ;  let  them  come,  and  I'll  try  to  make  the 
best  on't." 

"  I  know  not  how  it  is,'y  observed  the  young  seaman, 
"  but  I  would  rather  see  that  sun  this  morning,  entirely 
obscured  with  clouds,  and  the  heavens,  which  are  now 
so  clear,  overspread  with  blackness,  and  the  howling 
winds  beating  with  fury  upon  the  Cruiser,  than  the 
fine  circumstances  with  which  we  are  now  surrounded. 
Ah  yes  !  these  circumstances  have  called  up  associations 
in  my  mind,  which  have  led  me  to  this  train  of  thought 
and  reflection.  Yes,  from  my  early  days  to  the  present, 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEK.  75 

I  have  never  formed  any  plan  for  future  pleasure,  nor 
have  I  embarked  in  any  enterprise  with  prospects  fair 
as  these,  especially  when  calculating  to  a  moral  certainty 
that  my  expectations  would  be  realized  ;  I  say  then,  in 
all  these  calculations  I  have  failed  to  accomplish  the  ob 
ject  of  my  pursuit." 

Here  the  conversation  was  broken  off  by  a  general 
buzz  among  the  crew,  caused  by  the  arrival  of  the  pilot, 
and  especially  by  the  order  that  was  communicated  to 
the  boatswain  to  pipe  all  hands  to  get  under  way ;  all 
the  preparations  were  therefore  made,  such  as  firing  the 
signal  gun,  hoisting  the  colors,  loosing  the  fore-topsail, 
&c.  &c.  The  deck  tackle  was  then  stretched  fore  and 
aft,  the  fore-topsail  was  sheeted  home,  and  hoisted  to  the 
mast  head,  the  yards  were  braced  so  as  to  cant  the 
Cruiser  to  port,  and  the  anchor  was  hove  up  to  the  bow 
in  great  spirit,  inspired  by  laughing  Jimmy's  fife  with 
the  national  air  of  "  Yankee  Doodle."  The  Cruiser 
was  now  under  way,  and  the  numerous  spectators  on  the 
Battery  returned  three  times  three  to  the  hearty  cheers 
given  by  the  crew,  and  soon,  very  soon,  the  sound  was 
lost  by  the  increased  distance  of  the  Cruiser.  The 
noiseless  speed  with  which  she  bounded  over  the  waters, 
down  the  bay  of  New  York,  towards  Sandy  Hook,  under 
the  fore-topsail,  jib,  and  mainsail,  astonished  and  de 
lighted  all  on  board,  but  more  especially  the  Comman 
der,  when  it  was  reported  to  him  that  she  was  now  going 
at  the  rate  of  ten  knots.  The  order  was  immediately 
given  to  crack  on  all  the  sail  she  could  bear,  so  as  to  as 
certain  her.  greatest  speed.  The  wind  being  three 


76  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

points  on  the  starboard  quarter,  and  the  water  perfectly 
smooth,  the  order  was  instantly  executed,  and  every  sail 
was  set  to  advantage  that  she  could  bear.  The  addi 
tional  canvass  increased  the  rapidity  of  sailing  two 
knots  and  a  half,  as  she  was  running  or  rather  fly 
ing  over  the  water  twelve  knots  and  a  half.  The  Com 
mander  being  perfectly  satisfied,  having  ascertained  the 
Cruiser's  good  qualities  for  sailing,  immediately  or 
dered  the  canvass  to  be  reduced,  and  as  she  was 
drawing  up  with  Sandy  Hook,  preparations  were  being 
made  for  discharging  the  pilot. 

The  northwest  breeze  continued  to  blow  with  consid 
erable  force,  and  it  became  necessary  to  get  the  pilot 
off  either  abreast,  or  inside  of  the  Hook  on  account  of 
the  heavy  swell,  which  would  make  it  both  difficult  and 
dangerous  further  to  seaward.  Accordingly  when 
abreast  of  the  light-house,  the  pilot  got  safely  on  board 
of  his  boat,  and  the  Cruiser  stood  out  to  sea,  with  a  reg 
ular  look-out  at  the  mast-head. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  remark  that  in  narrating  the 
circumstances  connected  with  a  vessel  of  war,  they  will 
be  quite  different  from  those  of  a  merchant  vessel.  In 
the  first  place,  the  former  has  no  certain  point  of  destina 
tion,  unless  it  be  some  cruising  ground,  or  some  partic 
ular  latitude  or  longitude,  which  lies  in  the  tracks  of 
vessels  sailing  to  or  from  different  ports ;  otherwise  they 
cruise  where  the  winds  and  the  weather  carry  them,  or 
where  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  cruise,  such  as 
chasing  and  being  chased,  may  determine  their  situa 
tion.  It  will  of  course  be  seen  that  they  differ  essen- 


t  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  77 

tially  in  that  regular  system  of  duty  always  necessary  to 
be  executed  on  board  of  merchant  vessels,  for  in  the  latter 
there  is  the  departure,  the  log-line,  the  regular  bourse 
of  a  compass,  and  all  advantage  taken  by  the  ships,  of 
wind,  by  keeping  on  the  best  tack  so  as  to  secure  the 
most  favorable  result  for  a  quick  passage  to  the  destined 
port.  The  Cruiser,  however,  especially  in  time  of  war, 
observes  nothing  of  the  routine  of  duty,  maintained  on 
board  of  the  former  class  of  vessels.  There  is  little  at 
tention  given  to  the  log  and  less  to  the  courses,  and 
they  are  generally  under  short  sail,  except  when  chasing 
or  being  chased.  The  greatest  attention,  however,  is 
given  to  the  loook-out  at  the  mast-head,  to  ascertaining 
the  best  trim  for  sailing,  and  disciplining  the  crew  for  ac 
tion  in  different  ways,  such  as  exercising  the  large  guns 
and  small  arms,  boarding  and  repelling  boarders,  and 
working  ship,  &c.  &c. 

The  Cruiser  of  which  we  now  write  having  no  certain 
point  fixed  for  her  cruising  ground,  that  being  wholly  dis 
cretionary  with  the  Commander,  stood  out  to  seaward 
under  short  sail,  with  a  very  scrutinizing  look-out,  as  it 
had  been  reported  previous  to  her  departure  from  New 
York,  that  there  were  an  English  seventy-four  and  frigate 
cruising  a  short  distance  from  the  land.  It  was  ne 
cessary,  therefore,  to  ascertain  if  anything  was  in  sight, 
before  the  night  closed  in,  so  that  they  might  have  a 
port  at  command  in  case  they  should  fall  in  with  the 
English  cruisers.  The  day  rolled  away,  however,  with 
out  anything  material  occurring,  and  as  the  Cruiser 
reached  off  to  seaward,  the  swell  became  heavier,  con- 


78  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

sequently  the  motion  of  the  vessel  was  more  violent,  and 
so  unusual  was  it  to  the  land-tacks  of  the  green  hands, 
that  many  of  them  lost  their  equilibrium.  This, 
however,  was  a  small  part  of  the  delicacy  of  a  sea 
life  ;  for  the  motion  of  the  vessel,  as  well  as 'the  sea-air 
and  atmosphere,  disagreed  with  the  hitherto  placid  sto 
machs  of  the  landsmen,  so  that  with  the  concussion  of 
the  fall,  the  whole  contents  of  many  a  stomach,  which 
had  been  well  lined  that  day,  were  entirely  discharged  in 
every  direction  about  the  deck.  The  peculiar  make  of 
laughing  Jimmy  operated  very  seriously  against  him,  for 
his  short  legs  obstinately  refused  to  do  their  office,  un 
less  it  was  at  the  expense  of  a  contusion  in  his  large 
head.  Jimmy,  therefore,  taxed  his  arms  and  hands  to 
their  utmost  strength,  by  holding  on  to  some  rope,  be 
laying  pin,  or  any  thing  upon  which  he  could  fix  his 
grasp.  Poor  Jimmy !  he  was, "  indeed,  an  object  of 
mirth  to  the  old  salts,  for  his  risibility  now  entirely  for 
sook  him,  as  he  had  an  unusual  share  of  that  which  falls 
to  the  lot  of  green  hands,  viz.  sea-sickness. 

"  Why  don't  you  get  that  squeaking  whistle  and 
drive  away  your  melancholy  ? "  said  an  old  sailor. 
"  Let  Jimmy  alone,"  said  another,  "  don't  you  see  he's 
just  going  to  balance  his  accounts  ?  "  "  Grease  your 
pins,"  said  a  third,  "  it  will  make  them  supple  to  have 
another  jig  with  the  cook's  mate."  As  the  last  speaker 
finished  his  stroke  of  wit,  no  doubt  Jimmy  thought  of 
the  rapid  double  shuffle,  impelled  by  the  power  of  his 
music,  for  his  melancholy  face  relaxed  into  a  broad  grin, 
but  the  delicate  state  of  Jimmy's  health  at  that  moment 


THE    AMERICAN    CKUiSEIi.  79 

could  not  withstand  the  muscular  distortion  of  his  risi 
bilities  ;  the  consequence  was  a  severe  concussion  about 
the  region  of  the  stomach,  and  Nature,  always  true,  if 
not  thwarted  by  the  will,  relieved  the  organ  by 
emptying  its  contents,  the  greater  part  of  which  unfor 
tunately  fell  upon  the  last-mentioned  speaker. 

"  Avast  there  !  "  bellowed  out  the  old  sailor  in  a  tone 
of  fury ;  "  why  did  'nt  you  give  that  little  opening  of 
yours  more  rake  to  port  ?  " 

The  mirth  which  had  heretofore  been  spent  upon 
Jimmy  was  now  completely  transferred  over  to  the  old 
salt,  who,  not  possessing  the  same  equanimity  as  the 
fifer,  squared  away  for  a  fight. 

Our  tall  friend,  (whom  we  shall  introduce  by  the  ap 
pellation  of  "  Major,"  that  being  the  name  given  by  the 
crew,)  was  also  made  sergeant  of  marines.  He,  too, 
had  lost  much  of  that  bold  front  which  had  characterized 
his  first  appearance  on  board,  as  he  now  shared  largely 
in  the  prevailing  epidemic,  and  his  fierce  countenance 
had  relapsed  into  the  meekness  and  gentleness  of  a 
lamb.  There  were  none  of  the  green  hands  who  es 
caped  the  disease  of  the  sea  to  such  an  extent  as  the 
young  man  who  came  on  board  in  long  clothes.  He 
being  thin,  and  of  a  spare  habit,  the  bracing  air  and  vi 
olent  motion  of  the  vessel  did  not  take  the  same  effect 
upon  him  as  on  the  others.  The  only  change  that  he  had 
as  yet  made  in  his  dress,  was  to  substitute  a  round-a-bout 
for  the  long  coat.  He  therefore  went  by  the  name  of 
"  pantaloon  Jack." 

The  night  had  now  closed  in,  and  the  northwest  breeze 


80  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

freshened ;  consequently  the  sea  rose,  increasing  the 
violent  motion  of  the  Cruiser,  and  although  under  short 
sail,  she  bounded  over  the  waves-  to  the  eastward  at 
a  rapid  rate,  heaving  the  dashing  spray  fore  and  aft. 
And  now,  for  the  first  time,  the  green  hands,  who  had 
their  hammocks  slung  in  the  vicinity  of  the  gratings, 
found  out  by  the  current  of  wind  that  rushed  down,  as 
well  as  the  cooling  spray  which  fell  occasionally  into  their 
hammocks,  that  the  old  sailors,  to  use  their  own  expres 
sion,  "  had  their  eye  teeth  cut ;  "  for  they  would  gladly 
have-  exchanged  berths,  though  it  might  be  at  the  ex 
pense  of  breathing  in  a  confined  atmosphere. 

The  berth-deck,  as  well  as  the  main  deck,  now  pre 
sented  a  melancholy,  and  yet,  in  some  respects,  a  truly 
ludicrous  scene.  On  the  former,  what  with  the  bawl 
ing  of  the  old  sailors,  the  sickness  of  the  green  hands, 
and  the  confusion  occasioned  by  the  mess-kids,  tin-pots, 
boxes  and  bags  of  clothing  rolling  from  side  to  side, 
caused  by  the  great  motion  of  the  Cruiser,  now  labor 
ing  heavily,  produced  an  uproar  almost  equal  to  the  ele 
ments  above  them :  while  on  the  latter,  that  is,  the 
main  deck,  the  indomitables,  highbinders,  and  cookey- 
boys,  whose  courage  was  now  laid  low,  were  strewed 
in  every  direction  about  the  main  deck  and  forecastle, 
regardless  of  the  spray  which  poured  over  them  at  every 
bound  of  the  Cruiser.  It  was  very  justly  observed 
by  the  boatswain,  that  it  would  be  fortunate  not  to  fall 
in  with  the  enemy  (considering  the  helpless  condition  of 
.  the  crew,)  until  they  got  their  jackets  well  lined  with  salt 
beef  and  biscuit,  and  could  manage  a  pair  of  sea-legs. 


CHAPTER    VHI. 

DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  OFFICERS,  THE  FORCE  OF  THE  CRUISER, 
THE  CHASE,  ETC. 

Two  or  three  days  passed  away  without  any  thing 
material  transpiring.  The  weather  became  fine,  the 
wind  moderated,  and  the  sea  was  comparatively  smooth. 
The  Cruiser,  like  a  bird  of  the  ocean  that  had  been 
fatigued  by  the  fury  of  a  tempest,  now  resting  itself  on 
the  bosom  of  the  Avave,  or  flying  slowly  above  its  sur 
face,  was  impelled  gradually  along  by  the  small  quantity 
of  sail  that  was  set.  The  violent  motion  too  had 
ceased,  *  circumstance  not  a  little  gratifying  to  all 
those  who  had  been  visited  by  the  sea  malady,  many 
of  whom  now  began  to  appear  like  creatures  of  life 
and  animation,  having  taken  on  board,  (as  the  old 
salts  expressed  it,)  a  good  cargo  of  substantials,  in 
stead  of  the  fresh  grub  which  had  all  been  disposed 
of,  and  now  that  their  ribs  began  to  be  well  lined  with 
salt  beef,  pork,  and  biscuit,  they  would  soon  be  fit  for 
duty. 

It  was  certainly  a  little  remarkable,  that  notwith 
standing  the  great  proportion  of  green  hands  that 
composed  this  crew,  and  the  universal  prevalence  of  the 

81 


82  THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER, 

searsickness  among  them,  in  three  days  it  almost 
entirely  disappeared,  as  the  provisions  could  testify, 
were  they  gifted  with  the  powers  of  speech ;  and 
thjs  was  a  source  of  great  satisfaction,  especially  as 
it  became  necessary  to  discipline  them  in  the  manage 
ment  of  the  large  guns,  small  arms,  repel  boarders,  &c. 
It  is  true,  when  orders  were  given  to  board  on  the  star 
board  side,  they  were  quite  likely  to  scamper  away  to 
port,  and  although  there  was  not  a  small  number  that 
had  learned  the  art  of  pugilism,  or  that  had  some  expe 
rience  in  this  genteel  avocation,  yet  hi  the  science  of 
naval  combat,  (as  it  might  be  expected,)  they  were  as 
ignorant,  (to  use  the  expression  of  the  boatswain,)  as  "  a* 
squad  of  raw  country  militia."  It  is  certain  their  mis 
takes  and  awkwardness  procured  for  them  a  very  liberal 
supply  of  oaftis  and  execrations,  as  well  as  frequent 
repetitions  of  the  same  duty.  Perhaps  there  was  none 
made  less  allowance  for  these  raw  recruits  than  the 
Commander  of  the  Cruiser.  It  seems  that  h^and  the 
present  second  lieutenant  were  all  now  on  board,  who 
were  hi  her  the  last  cruise,  the  present  Commander 
having  been  promoted  for  his  courage  and  intrepidity 
on  the  first  cruise  ;  but  it  was  very  generally  rumored 
on  board,  that  although  his  valor  was  undoubted,  and 
that  he  would  not  flinch  to  engage  a  superior  force,  yet 
he  manifested  but  little  prudence,  precipitation  being 
the  prominent  trait  in  his  character  ;  and  it  led 
him  into  many  irretrievable  errors.  With  such  a 
man,  therefore,  although  he  was  actually  a  superior 
officer  as  second  in  command,  yet  with  the  entire 


THE    AMERICAN    CRtTISER.  83 

control,  of  the  Cruiser,  it  may  be  supposed  that 
a  profitable  and  successful  cruise  was  exceedingly 
doubtful ;  nevertheless)  even  these  unfortunate  traits  in 
his  character  would  not  have  been  a  matter  of  seriqus 
moment,  but  he  was  headstrong,  his  actions  were 
governed  by  sudden  impulses,  and  although  none  soli 
cited  more  frequently  the  exercise  of  the  judgment  and 
advice  of  the  officers,  yet  not  in  a  single  instance  did 
their  decision  .or  opinion  influence  him,  even  if  in  some 
respects  it  coincided  with  his  own.  His  character 
had  already  become  manifest  by  his  impatience  and 
spleen  toward  the  undisciplined  crew ;  but  the  first 
lieutenant,  by  his  long  experience,  was  not  only  well 
calculated  to  tram  the  men  with  a  regular  system  of 
discipline,  but  also  to  make  those  necessary  allowance's 
for  inexperience,  without  which  an  officer  will  not  com 
mand  respect  and  obedience.  • 

The  first  lieutenant  therefore,  was  in  all  respects  op-  - 
posite  in-  his  character  to  the  Commander,  possessing 
equal  bravery,  yet  tempered  with  a  superior  judgment 
and  a  determined  coolness  which  no  circumstance,  even 
if  it  were  full  of  peril  and  danger,  could  in  the  least 
shake. 

Of  the  other  lieutenants  it  may  be  necessary  merely 
to  state  that  they  were  good  sort  of  fellows,  without  any 
very  peculiar  traits  in  their  character  tp  designate  them 
from  seamen  of  their  rank  and  station  ;  not  so,  however, 
with  the  sailing  master,  —  he  was  one  of  your  cool,  cal 
culating,  and,  I  may  add,  close  and  mercenary  sons  of 
the  Eastern  States ;  it  was  generally  said  of  him  that  he 


84  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

was  born  the  other  side  of  sunrise.  Previously  to  the 
war  he  had  commanded  a  lumber  drogher  to  the  West 
Indies  from  Kennebunk,  and  would  often  boast  how 
nmch  he  had  made  on  his  "  venter  of  potatoes  and 
onions,  but  as  the  British,  had  cut  up  all  that  business 
by  the  blasted  war,  (to  use  his  own  expression,)  he  was 
now  determined  to  have  revenge  and  try  a  little  fight 
ing."  This  immortal  captain,  who  was  all  for  fighting, 
but  a  little  more  for  the  pocket,  had  a  wonderful  curi 
osity  to  get  sight  of  a  British  vessel,  "  but  then,"  as  he 
expressed  himself,  "  it  would  be  a  pity  to  fall  in  with  an 
enemy  well  armed,  for  in  that  case  the  Cruiser  might 
get  riddled  and  thus  spoil  the  cruise."  But  it  somehow 
or  other  got  afloat  in  the  ward-room,  that  the  sailing 
master  would  rather  sell  venters,  or  raft  pine  lumber 
on  shore  at  Point  Petre,  than  hear  the  whizzing  of  a 
shot,  or  be  concerned  in  any  such  a  scrape.  Now 
whether  there  was  any  cause  for  this  opinion  is  not 
positively  known ;  at  all  events,  an  old  prize-master 
having  had  some  previous  acquaintance  with  him,  set 
these  rumors  afloat.  There  was  another  very  serious 
difficulty  with  the  sailing  master,  and  that  was  to  keep 
the  exact  position  of  the  Cruiser,  for  as  he  was  not  a  very 
learned  mathematician  or  navigator  —  the  extent  of  his 
knowledge  being  confined  to  traverse  sailing,  or  working 
up  a  meridian  altitude  of  the  sun  —  of  course  it  may  be 
supposed,  especially  as  the  Cruiser  was  on  a  variety  of 
courses  during  the  twenty-four  hours,  besides  little  at 
tention  being  given  to  the  log,  that  it  was  altogether,  as 
he  frequently  declared,  a  rather  knotty  subject  to  get 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  85 

hold  of.  Yet  he  had  a  remarkable  talent  for  guessing, 
for  when  it  blew  violently  or  rained  in  torrents,  he 
would  say,  "  I  guess  it  blows,"  or  "  I  guess  it  rams." 
This  propensity,  (especially  when  the  day's  wock 
had  many  courses  and  alterations  in  it,)  led  him  to  note 
in  the  log-book  in  conspicuous  letters  the  following  sen 
tence,  viz.  "I  guess  she  is  in  the  longitude  of ," 

and  concluded  by  saying,  "  Nothing  done  these  twenty 
four  hours."  Now  whatever  may  have  been  his  talents 
for  a  scientific  navigator,  he  was  certainly  a  good 
schooner  sailer,  for  the  plain  reason,  that  he  never 
sailed  in  or  commanded  any  other  class  of  vessels,  in 
his  sojourn  on  the  ocean.  On  board  of  this  craft,  he 
observed,  "  I  am  at  home,  if  it  were  not  for  that  back- 
breaker,"  (meaning  the  lug  foresail,)  to  which  he  pro 
posed  an  alteration,  but  was  argued  out  of  the  idea  by 
the  prize-masters,  who  contended  it  would  make  the 
Cruiser  "look  like  a  Connecticut  horse  jockey." 

But  I  shall  leave  the  sailing-master  for  the  present, 
and  present  the  reader  to  the  lieutenant  of  marines. 
This*gentleman  was  little  known  on  board  the  Cruiser, 
but  from  his  deportment  it  was  generally  thought  he  had 
been  a  country  lawyer,  or  teacher  of  a  seminary.  Be 
this  as  it  may,  his  address  was  far  above  the  common 
herd  ;  he  had  also  the  gift  of  speech,  was  pretty  sound 
in  argument,  a  talent  that  he  used  to  much  advantage, 
besides  he  had  a  superior  tact  in  making  friends,  which 
he  did  with  all  the  officers  of  the  ward-room.  But 
although  he  had  this  tact,  yet  it  was  said  of  him, 
(with  some  color  of  truth,)  that  he  was  neither  sailor 
8 


86  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

nor  soldier,  and  as  to  his  courage,  that  was  yet 
to  be  proved ;  but  as  for  his  military  tactics,  he 
might  not  be  unaptly  compared  to  the  Captain 
Bunker  of  Down  East,  —  however,  in  matters  of  drill 
and  exercise,  they  were  generally  conducted  by  our 
tall  friend  the  major,  or  sergeant,  if  you  please, 
except  on  some  very  particular  occasion,  such  as  in 
spection  day ;  in  that  case  the  lieutenant  went  through 
the  drill,  and  the  sergeant  acted  as  fugleman. 

The  prize-masters  were  a  set  of  jolly  fellows,  generally 
men  in  middle  and  more  advanced  stages  of  life,  with 
but  two  exceptions,  and  these  two  were  young,  active, 
bold  seamen,  in  whom  confidence  might  be  reposed,  and 
to  use  the  boatswain's  opinion,  "  there  was  no  backing 
eut  in  them."  The  six  former,  (for  there  were  eight 
prize-masters  in  all,)  generally  loved  a  glass  of  grog, 
could  spin  a  long  yarn,  and  sing  a  song  occasionally, 
that  is,  when  they  were  half-seas  over,  (which,  by  the 
way,  was  not  unfrequent ;)  and  in  these  merry  moods 
their  fortune  was  secured.  They  also  considered  them 
selves  to  be  equal  in  rank  and  station  to  the  commander 
of  any  merchant  vessel,  frequently  averring,  that  they 
would  have  charge  of  the  quarter-deck  and  cabin,  of 
some  gallant  ship,  before  the  cruise  was  over.  It 
must  be  conceded  that  these  were  old  seamen,  and  un 
derstood  their  duty,  and  if  their  conduct  corresponded 
with  their  profession,  there  would  be  no  good  reason  to 
doubt  their  courage. 

But  I  pause  to  introduce  the  surgeon,  or  non-com 
batant,  as  he  was  generally  styled.  This  gentleman 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  87 

had  finished  his  study  by  a  course  of  three  months' 
reading  in  a  doctor's  shop,  and  three  months'  attendance 
to  a  course  of  lectures,  in  a  neighboring  medical  col 
lege,  after  which,  from  his  most  profound  research  and 
giant  intellect,  he  obtained  sPdiploma,  and  was  actually 
installed  by  the  learned  professors  with  an  M.  D.,  and 
upon  these  two  ominous  letters  he  set  up  business  for 
himself.  Now  it  was  generally  thought,  from  his  pecu 
liar  absence  of  mind,  that  he  had  been  disappointed  in 
love,  but  the  more  thinking  part  of  the  crew  attributed 
it  probably  to  the  right  cause,  viz.  disappointment  in 
practice,  for  although  in  his  first  setting  out  he  had  made 
a  very  brilliant  show,  having  no  less  than  a  half  dozen 
signs  on  his  office,  nevertheless  he  could  not  succeed  in 
obtaining  business,  for  somehow  or  other  it  got  out,  that 
he  used  one  sovereign  remedy  for  every  disease, 
so  that  the  few  unfortunate  patients  whom  he  had  were 
soon  despatched.  His  merit  was  totally  neglected, 
and  as  a  finish  to  the  ill  luck  of  this  ill-fated  man,  in 
performing  a  surgical  operation,  the  amputation  of  a 
limb,  he  neglected  to  take  up  several  of  the  arteries, 
and  his  patient  bled  to  death;  this  was  a  death 
blow  to  all  his  practice,  in  consequence  of  which 
he  had  well  nigh  starved  to  death.  But  now  as 
the  war  was  in  operation,  he  said  it  was  a  grand 
theatre  for  action  and  the  exercise  of  merit,  calculating 
at  the  same  time  the  chances  of  filling  his  pockets. 
Being  elevated  by  these  views,  he  made  up  his  mind  to 
embark  in  the  wars,  as  was  evident  from  his  common 
declaration : 


88  THE    AMERICAN     CRUISER. 

"  I  '11  to  the  ocean  rock, 
Make  ready  for  the  slaughter ; 
I  '11  a  fortune  make, 
Or  drown  in  salt  water." 

This  fiery  determination  was  put  into  execution,  and 
he  continued  to  be  a  man  of  one  remedy,  for  on 
all  occasions,  and  in  all  kind  of  diseases  on  board, 
the  universal  restorative  was  a  pint  of  salt  water.  This 
remedy  was  excellent  on  two  accounts.  First,  it  was 
easy  of  access,  and  secondly,  it  was  cheap,  a  thing  to 
be  duly  considered,  with  so  large  a  crew,  especially  if 
the  cruise  should  be  long.  Now  although  salt  water 
was  a  favorite  remedy  with  the  doctor,  yet  he  had 
a  mortal  aversion  to  the  idea  of  foundering,  sinking, 
or  drowning,  for  when  these  matters  were  discussed, 
he  was  always  seized  with  a  violent  excitement, 
which  very  much  provoked  the  mirth  of  the  ward-room 
officers,  who  on  these  occasions  comforted  him  by  saying 
that  he  should  not  be  afraid  of  his  own  medicine  chest. 
This  man,  or  rather  an  apology  for  a  man,  this  Doctor 
Sangrado,  may  be  conceived  (that  is,  his  appearance,) 
by  the  reader,  to  be  like  unto  the  apothecary  so  in 
imitably  described  by  Shakspeare. 

So  much  then  for  the  description  of  the  officers  of 
the  Cruiser,  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  tons,  schooner 
rigged,  long,  low,  with  beautiful  proportions,  which 
sailed  fast,  mounting  twelve  eighteen  pound  car- 
ronades,  and  a  long  eighteen  pounder  on  a  pivot 
amidships,  with  a  complement  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  men. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  89 

Several  days  elapsed,  and  nothing  was  seen.  The 
impatience  of  the  Commander  was  manifested  by  many 
outbreaks  of  temper,  but  the  most  perfect  equanimity 
of  the  first  lieutenant  was  exhibited  by  his  cheerfulness, 
well  knowing  that  as  yet  no  time  was  lost,  for  this  delay 
was  the  cause  of  better  discipline,  which  must,  (if  any 
thing  would,)  ensure  success  in  action.  However  they 
were  not  doomed  to  lead  this  monotonous  life  any  length 
of  time,  and  in  truth  the  crew  began  to  be  wearied  and 
longed  for  excitement. 

While  all  hands  were  at  dinner,  discussing  heartily 
the  merits  of  pea  soup,  the  exciting  cry  was  heard  from 
the  look-out  aloft,  of  "  Sail  ho !  "  "  Where  away  ?  " 
said  the  officer  of  the  watch.  "  Eight  ahead,"  replied 
the  look-out.  In  a  few  moments  all  was  excitement  and 
commotion.  All  hands  being  called  immediately,  every 
yard  of  canvass  was  spread  that  could  be  set  to  advan 
tage,  and  the  Cruiser  was  hauled  to,  the  wind  being 
from  the  eastward.  The  round  grape  and  cannister  shot, 
in  a  word,  every  thing  connected  with  the  armament  in 
a  few  moments  were  ready  for  action.  The  gunner  un 
dressed  his  favorite  piece,  vi?.  "Long  Tom,"  for  which 
he  had  conceived  a  strong  regard,  and  of  course  it  was 
kept  in  high  order ;  in  truth  it  was  a  noble  piece,  and 
would  send  a  shot,  if  properly  discharged,  as  far  as  any 
cannon,  without  regard  to  calibre.  After  these  prepa 
rations  were  made,  all  hands  were  summoned  to  their 
stations  and  quarters,  the  screens  were  let  down, 
fires  out,  gratings  on,  matches  lit,  and  the  car- 
ronades  secured  by  the  tackles,  and  the  breechings 
8* 


90  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISES. 

cast  loose,  to  prevent  any  impediment  in  case  of 
emergency. 

The  second  lieutenant  -was  now  ordered  aloft  with  the 
glass  to  watch  the  stranger,  and  after  a  few  moments' 
inspection,  reported  her  to  be  a  ship  standing  to  the 
eastward.  In  a  few  minutes,  however,  he  reported  in  a 
hurried  tone,  that  the  stranger  had  hauled  close  up  to 
the  wind  on  the  starboard  tack,  and  was  nearing  fast. 
This  was  not  very  agreeable  news,  for  in  these  perilous 
times,  it  was  very  evident  that  no  merchant  vessel 
would  have  acted  in  this  way ;  the  conclusion  was  there 
fore,  that  she  must  be  a  man-of-war ;  and  the  Commander 
observed,  that  it  would  not  do  to  run  until  that  fact  was 
ascertained  to  a  certainty  ;  but  as  a  necessary  precau 
tion  the  square-sail,  studding-sail  gear,  and  all  the  light 
sails  were  immediately  got  in  readiness,  because  the 
Cruiser's  best  sailing  was  off  the  wind.  It  may  be  sup 
posed  that  the  relative  distance  between  the  two  was 
soon  lessened ;  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour  the  hull  of 
the  stranger  was  distinctly  seen  from  the  deck  of  the 
Cruiser,  and  it  became  a  matter  of  some  doubt  whether 
or  not  the  ship  would  not  cross  the  bow  of  the  Cruiser 
to  windward.  The  Commander,  intently  looking  at  her 
with  the  glass,  observed  to  the  first  lieutenant : 

"  She  is  a  large  ship  of  great  length,  with  square 
yards,  under  a  press  of  canvass  —  appears  too 
dark  for  an  American,  and  by  H — ns,  she  is  no 
laggard ! " 

This  was  certainly  true,  for  although  the  Cruiser 
dashed  through  the  water  at  a  rapid  rate,  she  could  not 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  91 

possibly  pass  more  than  half  gun  shot  to  windward  of 
the  ship. 

"  Gunner,"  said  the  Commander,  "  get  Long  Tom 
ready,  and  we'll  have  some  conversation  with  the 
stranger  as  she  passes  by." 

"  Aye,  aye,"  said  the  gunner,  who  seemed  perfectly 
delighted,  for  he  was  an  old  man-of-war' s-man,  and  had 
been  waiting  some  time  for  this  order.  The  cartridges 
for  Long  Tom  had  been  made  by  himself,  and  as  he  had 
tried  its  power,  he  knew  to  a  fraction  what  amount  of 
powder  was  necessary,  and  he  allowed  no  other  man  to 
charge  Long  Tom  when  coming  into  action  but  himself. 
Long  Tom  was  therefore  carefully  loaded,  and  as  the 
ship  drew  up  toward  the  beam,  all  doubt  in  reference  to 
her  character  was  dispelled,  for  the  bunting  displaying 
St.  George's  cross  was  run  up  to  her  peak,  and  simul 
taneously  her  shot  came  whizzing  through  the  air,  and 
passed  astern  of  the  Cruiser.  The  gunner  now  became 
impatient,  and  as  the  ship  altered  her  position,  just  so 
he  changed  the  position  of  Long  Tom,  that  h«  might  be 
ready  to  talk  when  within  speaking  distance. 

English  colors  were  hoisted  at  the  peak  of  the 
Cruiser,  but  it  was  of  no  avaiL  The  frigate,  for  such 
she  was,  showed  her  signals,  which  could  not  be  an 
swered,  and  as  she  ranged  as  far  as  the  counter  of  the 
'Cruiser,  she  hove  in  stays  on  the  larboard  tack,  in  the 
act  of  which,  her  forward  division  was  sent  after  the 
Cruiser,  to  compliment  her  for  the  politeness  of  keeping 
company.  The  shot,  however,  fell  harmless,  and  as  the 
•chase  was  astern,  every  shot  that  Was  fired  from  the 


92  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

enemy  increased  the  distance  between  the  two.  The 
frigate  of  course  being  aware  of  this,  kept  a  profound 
silence  for  some  time.  She  was  now  under  a  crowd  of 
sail,  standing  on  the  same  tack,  bearing  about  two 
points  on  the  Cruiser's  quarter,  and  bounding  through 
the  water  like  an  unchecked  fiery  courser,  goaded  to 
madness  by  the  lash. 

From  the  great  disparity  of  force  and  the  proximity 
of  the  two,  the  safety  of  the  Cruiser  now  depended 
entirely  upon  her  speed.  Any  error  therefore  in  her 
management  would  be  irretrievable  and  ensure  capture. 
Consequently  the  most  intense  anxiety  prevailed,  and 
the  most  scrutinizing  bearings  were  taken.  The  result 
was  that  the  frigate  rather  head-reached,  but  the 
Cruiser  laying  a  point  higher  and  holding  a  better  wind, 
gained  to  windward  of  the  chase.  The  unanimous 
opinion,  therefore,  was  to  work  the  Cruiser  to  windward 
by  short  tacks,  and  as  there  was  yet  four  hours' 
daylight,  the  relative  sailing  of  the  two  would  be  cor 
rectly  ascertained,  so  that  if  it  were  probable  that  the 
frigate  would  overhaul  her,  then  after  night  closed  in, 
the  Cruiser  might,  under  its  cover,  elude  the  vigilance  of 
the  enemy.  "  We  will  now  go  about,"  said  the  Com 
mander  to  the  first  lieutenant.  The  crew  were  immedi 
ately  at  their  stations,  the  helm  was  put  down,  and  the 
Cruiser  ranged  up  gallantly  head  to  wind  and  forged 
ahead  at  least  one  hundred  yards  directly  in  the  wind's 
eye,  without  losing  her  way ;  when  all  the  sheets  and 
yards  were  hauled  simultaneously,  and  the  Cruiser 
filled  away  on  the  starboard  tack.  "  By  H — ns,"  said 


THE    AMERICAN    CKUISER.  95 

the  Commander,  "  she  behaves  nobly ;  a  half  dozen 
boards  like  this,  and  we  shall  give  the  Englishman  a 
description  of  Long  Tom  without  danger."  In  a  few 
minutes  the  look-out  at  the  mast-head  reported  that  the 
frigate  was  in  stays.  The  report  was  unnecessary  to 
establish  the  fact,  for  a  broad  sheet  of  flame  was  seen 
issuing  from  her  starboard  bow,  and  the  shot  whizzed 
through  the  air  some  distance  astern  of  the  Cruiser. 

"  Well,  well,"  said  the  gunner,  "  if  Long  Tom  gets  the 
liberty  of  speech  to-day,  he  '11  not  use  such  high  flown 
talk.  You  had  better  save  your  powder  and  shot,  for 
it  is  a  great  thing  sometimes  to  save  money  and  credit 
too.  Besides,  you'll  want  all  your  ammunition  if  you 
fall  in  with  Old  Ironsides." 

"  This  is  a  most  splendid  chase,"  said  the  first  lieu 
tenant,  after  he  had  been  gazing  steadfastly  at  the 
frigate  for  the  last  ten  minutes.  "  Yes,"  continued  he, 
"  she  moves  through  the  water  like  a  race-horse,  and 
my  word  for't,  if  we  were  now  the  same  distance  under 
her  lee,  as  we  are  to  windward,  our  chance  of  escape 
would  be  small  indeed  ;  but  if  no  shot  cuts  away 
any  of  our  sticks,  and  the  breeze  holds  on  until  night, 
we  shall  be  far  out  of  the  reach  of  his  gun.  The  whole 
crew  were  now  ordered  to  walk  round  the  decks,  short 
tacks  were  made,  and  it  soon  became  evident  that  the 
Cruiser  was  leaving  the  chase  astern.  The.  movement 
of  the  crew  increased  her  speed,  and  by  the  short  tacks, 
gained  fast  to  windward.  The  frigate,  seeing  this, 
opened  a  brisk  fire,  but  it  was  too  late,  for  the  Cruiser 
was  nearly  out  of  gun-shot. 


96  THE    AMERICAN    CRUlSEfi. 

"  We  will  now  show  him,"  said  the  Commander, 
"  the  stars  and  stripes,  so  bend  on  the  bunting,  quarter 
master  ;  and  gunner,"  continued  he,  "  don't  you  think 
Long  Tom  can  give  that  Englishman  a  piece  of  advice  ?  " 

"Aye,  aye,  sir,"  replied  the  gunner;  "Tom's  a 
faithful  messenger,  and  will  carry  the  advice  as  straight 
as  a  loon's  leg." 

"  Are  you  ready  with  the  colors  there  ?  "  inquired 
the  Commander.  The  answer  was  in  the  affirmative. 

"  Well  then,  haul  the  British  flag  down,  and  run  up 
the  Yankee  bunting." 

The  gunner  was  now  assiduously  engaged  in  elevating, 
depressing,  and  pointing  Long  Tom,  sometimes  aft,  and 
sometimes  forward,  until  he  obtained  an  exact  direction, 
then  patting  the  gun  most  affectionately  on  its  breech, 
said  in  a  low  tone,  "  now  Tom,  do  your  duty  this  once." 

"  Are  you  ready  ?  "  inquired  the  Commander.  The 
gunner  took  another  squint,  then  depressed  the  muzzle, 
keeping  his  eye  on  the  elevation,  and  sung  out,  "  All 
ready,  sir." 

"  Fire !  " 

For  a  few  moments  the  Cruiser  was  enveloped  in 
smoke,  and  the  gunner,  leaping  on  one  of  the  carron- 
ades,  rubbed  his  eyes,  and  then  directed  them  toward 
the  frigate.  In  a  moment  his  eye  brightened  up,  he 
took  off  his  cap,  gave  three  cheers,  and  flung  it  as  far 
as  he  could  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy :  "  There, 
pick  that  up,"  said  he,  "  as  you  come  along,  and  you'll 
have  a  Yankee  prize  to  pay  for  your  jib-boom,"  for  sure 
enough  the  shot  from  Long  Tom  had  cut  it  away.  The 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  97 

loss  of  the  jib  made  it  difficult  to  keep  the  frigate  out 
of  the  wind,  consequently  they  were  obliged  to  take  in 
the  spanker.  "With  the  diminution  of  these  two  impor 
tant  sails,  especially  on  a  wind,  the  frigate  dropped  to 
leeward  rapidly,  so  that  by  sunset  she  was  far  out  of 
gunshot. 

Night  closed  in.     The  Cruiser  lost  sight  of  the  frig 
ate,  the  crew  remained  at  their  quarters  until  midnight ; 
the  guns  were  then  secured,  the  watch  was  set,  and  the 
vessel  steered  off  to  the  eastward. 
9 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  YOUNG  SEAMAN'S  NARRATIVE  COMMENCED,  ALL  HANDS 
TO  MISCHIEF,  ETC. 

THE  blue  waves  rolled  along  at  a  moderate  height 
after  the  Cruiser,  as  she  bounded  over  their  surface,  im 
pelled  by  the  northern  breeze  that  swelled  the  whitened 
canvass,  which  gave  her  an  air  of  consciousness.  Light 
ly  she  rose  on  the  top  of  the  white-crested  billow,  unim 
peded,  as  if  driven  along  by  some  power  of  enchantment, 
or  like  an  ocean  bird,  spreading  her  enormous  wings, 
with  rapid  flight  to  seek  a  more  congenial  clime. 

As  the  shades  of  night  disappeared,  and  the  morning 
light  broke  forth,  the  opening  day  might  have  roused 
the  most  stoical  indifference  ;  nought  was  visible  to  the 
eye,  upon  the  unbounded  waste  of  waters,  except  the 
Cruiser,  which  seemed  like  a  spirit-bird,  soaring  o'er 
the  vast  expanse  in  profound,  unbroken  silence.  The 
sun  rose  clear,  and  when  half  the  disc  appeared  above 
the  horizon,  a  thousand  variegated  hues  skirted  the  gor 
geous  clouds  which  rolled  up,  and  seemed  to  vanish 
away  before  the  refulgent  beams  of  the  king  of  day,  as 
he  majestically  ascended  into  the  azure  vault  to  perform 
his  daily  round. 
98 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  99 

It  was  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  The  customary  duties 
of  the  morning  watch  had  been  performed,  the  decks 
were  cleared,  the  canvass  was  trimmed  to  the  breeze, 
and  the  Cruiser  was  running  off  to  the  eastward,  as  it 
was  determined  that  the  cruising  ground  should  include 
all  the  space  between  the  Azores  and  the  Madeira 
Islands,  so  as  to  intercept  the  traders  bound  to  the  West 
Indies  and  South  America.  All  the  officers  had  assem 
bled  on  the  quarter  deck,  the  greater  part  of  the 
crew  were  lounging  about  the  booms  and  main-deck,  and 
the  countenances  of  all  hands  beamed  with  the  highest 
satisfaction,  especially  on  the  quarter-deck,  as  they  con 
versed  freely  in  reference  to  the  chase  of  the  preceding 
day. 

"I  never  saw  this  craft  during  the  whole  of  last 
cruise  behave  so  well  on  a  wind  as  she  did  yesterday. 
We  certainly  could  not  have  had  her  trim,  for  in  every 
close  chase,  the  object  was  to  get  her  off  the  wind,  for 
only  in  this  way  could  we  depend  on  her  sailing." 

"  In  my  opinion,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  "  after 
her  performances  yesterday,  in  any  and  every  chase  we 
may  have  this  cruise  from  men-of-war,  our  safest  place 
is  to  keep  the  weather-guage,  and  work  to  windward  by 
short  tacks."  The  merits  of  the  crew,  and  their  good 
conduct  was  next  discussed. 

"  I  believe,"  observed  the  Commander,  "  we  shall 
have  no  reason  to  doubt  the  courage  of  our  lads  ;  I  saw 
little  flinching,  and  but  few  pale  faces ;  but  the  cool 
ness  and  general  good  conduct  of  the  young  friend 
of  the  boatswain's,  were  most  striking  and  entitled 


100  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

him  to  the  respect  of  all  the  officers  on  hoard;  for 
it  is  evident  that  he  is  -worthy  of  a  higher  station, 
than  that  which  he  now  has." 

"  Yes  sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  "  his  activity 
and  semanship,  his  education  and  gentlemanly  deport 
ment,  and  withal  his  hravery,  as  I  have  been  informed  by 
his  friend,  the  boatswain,  deserve  a  higher  rank  than 
that  of  a  fore-mast  Jack  on  board  the  Cruiser." 

"  If  this  cruise  should  prove  successful,"  replied  the 
Commander,  "  he  shall  be  promoted,  and  yet  I  under 
stand  he  is  so  inseparably  united  to  his  friend,  that  he 
would  not  accept  of  promotion,  if  it  should  be  the  cause 
of  their  separation." 

"  No  sir,"  said  the  first  lieutenant ;  "  there  must  be 
something  mysterious  in  the  history  of  this  young  man, 
something  that  seems  to  be  full  of  chivalry  and  romance, 
and  as  I  am  informed  he  is  the  foremost  to  signalize 
himself  in  every  perilous  adventure,  and  would  not  hesi 
tate,  in  the  most  daring  service,  to  be  the  first  at  either 
boarding,  cutting  out,  or  in  close  action  with  the  enemy. 
He  seeks  not  .wealth,  for  he  estimates  it  as  a  sordid  pas 
sion  ;  but  then  there  is  something  to  which  he  seems 
constantly  aspiring,  some  object  to  be  attained,  to  which 
all  his  energies  and  powers  are  directed  ;  and  in  truth, 
in  my  judgment,  he  is  a  valuable  acquisition  to  this 
cruiser,  as  well  as  his  friend  the  boatswain,  whom  I  con 
sider  to  be  the  best  seaman  on  board,  and  one,  too,  in 
whom  are  combined  all  those  noble  traits  of  character 
which  constitute  a  true-hearted  mariner." 

The  day  passed  off  in  the  greatest  good  humor,  and 


THE  AMEBICAN  CEtJISEK.  1Q1 

as  the  crew  had  behaved  so  well  on  the  previous  day,  it 
was  determined,  in  order  to  keep  up  the  excitement,  to 
give  a  loose  rein  to  discipline  for  two  or  three  hours, 
and  pipe  all  hands  to  mischief. 

And  here  it  may  be  proper  to  explain  the  reason  why 
this  is  resorted  to  on  board  of  men-of-war  in  general. 
It  is  to  impart  relaxation,  both  to  the  mind  and 
body,  from  that  constant  severity  of  discipline  which 
seems  to  be  necessary  where  there  are  so  large  a  number 
of  men,  thrown  together  in  the  small  space  contained  in 
a  vessel  of  war  of  any  description.  It  is  neces 
sary  that  discipline  should  be  maintained  for  the 
greater  security  of  the  vessel  and  officers,  as  well  as 
order  and  system  when  called  into  action  ;  on  the  other 
hand,  a  little  relaxation  from  this -severity  is  thought  to 
be  necessary,  to  relieve  the  mind  from  that  pressure 
which  often  is  in  opposition  to  the  will,  and  thus,  as  it 
were, "impart  a  kind  of  freedom  for  a  short  tune  at  least, 
which  is  the  birthright  of  all  men,  and  to  which  all  men 
are  constantly  aspiring.  The  method,  then,  of  car 
rying  this  into  execution,  is  by  giving  up  the  main- 
deck  and  forecastle  to  the  entire  control  of  the  crew,  to 
spend  three  or  four  hours  in  such  unbridled  pleasures  as 
their  ingenuity  and  trickery  may  suggest.  It  is  doirbt- 
ful,  however,  whether  or  not  these  licensed  privileges 
are  advantageous,  because  serious  difficulties  have 
arisen,  and  in  some  cases,  mutiny  has  been  the  result. 

Be  this  as  it  may,  at  3,  P.  M.  all  hands  were  piped 
to  mischief,  and  a  scene  ensued  which  baffles  descrip 
tion.     There  was  singing,  dancing,  swearing,  and  fight- 
9* 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

ing.  The  old  salts  were  running  with  bowlines,  in 
which  they  caught  the  green  horns,  and  would  trice 
them  up  to  the  lower  mast-head,  to  the  no  small 
annoyance  of  the  sufferer ;  while  others  by  the  same  pur 
chase,  drew  water  aloft,  which  was  soused  upon  those 
on  deck.  Some  had  a  bucket  of  tar  thrown  over  them ; 
others  were  well  greased  from  the  slush-barrel.  These 
last  tricks  were  borne  with  a  very  ill  grace,  and  yet  it- 
was  of  little  use,  for  in  every  instance  it  brought  down 
a  double  portion  of  suffering  to  any  who  offered  resist 
ance.  This  buffoonery  lasted  until  some  of  the  heroes 
of  the  Five  Points  lost  all  their  patience,  and  some  half- 
dozen  clubbing  together,  assumed  an  attitude  of  defi 
ance,  and  sided  out  for  a  regular  knock-down.  This 
closed  the  scene  of  mischief,  and  never  was  any  li 
cense  given  for  a  similar  repetition  during  the  remainder 
of  the  cruise. 

Order  being  restored  and  the  first  dog-watch  over, 
the  hour  of  supper  was  spent  in  unalloyed  enjoyment, 
with  a  regular  set-to  of  long  yarns,  which  was  not  con 
cluded  until  eight  bells,  when  the  watch  was  set.  It 
was  a  fine  star-light  night,  and  the  sea,  although  not 
smooth,  was  following  and  regular,  and  as  the  wind  was 
inrthe  quarter,  the  Cruiser  glided  over  the  blue  billows 
steadily,  at  a  rapid  rate.  The  noiseless  speed  of  the 
Cruiser  and  the  peculiar  stillness  and  beauty  of  the. 
night,  together  with  the  almost  profound  silence  of  the 
crew,  (more  than  half  of  whom  were  lost  in  sleep,} 
produced  an  air  of  solemnity,  and  a  kind  of  melancholy 
pleasure,  that  loves  to  dwell  on  scenes  of  by-gone  days. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  105 

"  I  have  often,"  observed  the  young  seaman,  as  he 
and  the  boatswain  were  conversing  together  on  the 
main-deck,  "  before  I  embarked  on  an  ocean  life,  dwelt 
with  rapture  on  the  pleasure  of  beholding  a  scene  like 
this ;  but  'now  its  frequency  has  thrown  a  shade  over 
its  beauty ;  and  yet  there  is,  even  now,  a  kind  of 
congeniality  in  the  scene  before  us  and  my  feelings, 
and  although  the  past  brings  with  it  emotions  of  sorrow, 
yet  the  present  indescribable  satisfaction  and  pleas 
ure,  (though  mournful  in  their  character,) — in  the  reflec 
tion,  that  now  I  have  a  friend  whose  heart  will  not  only 
sympathize  with  me,  but  one  also  in  whom  I  can  repose 
with  the  greatest  confidence  all  my  sorrows, — relieves  the 
load  which  bears  so  heavily  upon  my  heart  *of  half 
its  weight,  by  the  friendship  that  unites  us  together. 

"  My  history,  then,"  continued  the  young  seaman, 
"  is  short  though  eventful,  and  I  had  long  since  deter 
mined  to  confine  it  to  my  own  bosom ;  but  apart  from 
those  deep  obligations  which  I  owe  to  you,  there  is  that 
in  your  character  which  I  believed  only  to  be  found  in 
fiction.  I  mean  disinterested  friendship,  actuated  by 
no  sordid  principle.  Besides,  there  is  a  secret  pleas 
ure  that  with  you,  I  shall  run  out  the  glass  of  life, 
and  although  I  am  your  junior  in  point  of  age,  yet  I 
have  a  foreboding  that  my  voyage  will  be  short." 

"  Come,  come,"  said  the  boatswain,  "  if  your  yarn 
gives  you  so  much  pain  to  spin  it  out,  why  then  just  cut 
it  off"  short,  and  we  '11  be  true  messmates  and  sailors  still." 

"  No,"  replied  the  young  seaman  firmly,  "  you  shall 
have  it  all." 


106  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER, 


«0 

I  told 


"  On  the  morning  of  our  departure  from  New  York, 
told  you  that  my  education  was  all  that  wealth 
and  indulgent  affection  could  bestow.  Alas !  those 
revered  ones  which  now  sleep  the  sleep  of  death, 
they  were  but  too  indulgent  to  their  only  son.  I  was 
deprived  of  nothing  that  could  minister  to  comfort  and 
pleasure  ;  they  saw  with  a  parent's  eye  ;  the  merit  or 
demerit  of  my  actions  was  settled  with  a  parent's  fond 
ness  and  prejudice  ;  the  society  in  which  I  moved  was 
of  the  highest  rank  and  fashion,  and  my  doating  father 
and  fond  mother  supplied  all  my  extravagances  with 
princely  munificence.  I  became  so  deeply  involved 
in  dissipation  and  high  life,  that  I  lost  all  resources  of 
pleasure  in  myself,  and  even  in  the  society  of  those 
parents  who  would  have  sacrificed  their  lives  and  for 
tunes  to  have  promoted  my  happiness.  They  did  not 
upbraid  me.  They  listened  not  to  the  frequent  reports 
that  were  made  to  them,  of  the  alarming  outbreaks  in 
my  conduct.  In  vain  they  strove  to  call  my  attention 
to  one  of  the  learned  professions  ;  in  vain  they  sought 
by  a  thousand  endearments  to  divert  the  current  of  my 
thoughts  into  a  proper  channel.  They  endeavored  in  a 
variety  of  ways  to  render  my  home  the  most  agreeable 
place ;  the  most  polished  company,  both  male  and 
female,  were  frequently  invited  to  my  father's  mansion. 
In  this  way  they  succeeded  for  a  time,  but  alas  !  that 
which  my  honored  parents  supposed  would  bring  about 
a  reformation,  was  the  cause  of  my  ruin. 

"  Our  house  was  in  a  short  time  celebrated  for  learn 
ing,  wit,  fashion,  and  female  accomplishments,  so  that 


AMERICAN  CRtnsEfc.  107 

all  who  made  any  pretensions  to  such  acquirements 
sought  eagerly  for  an  introduction  to  this  brilliant 
circle.  It  cannot  be  supposed  therefore,  that  the 
numerous  female  visitors  of  so  much  beauty  and 
fashion,  would  pass  by  me  unheeded ;  neither  can  it  be 
supposed,  that  all  the  gentlemen  who  resorted  to  my 
father's  house  were  of  the  character  before  described. 
No,  the  man  of  the  world,  the  fortune  hunter,  the 
disguised  gambler,  all  were  there  ;  unfortunately  their 
true  characters  were  not  disclosed,  in  time  to  prevent 
the  mischief  this  kind  of  society  is  always  likely  to 
produce. 

"  Among  those  who  frequented  our  circle,  was  the 
daughter  of  a  merchant  formerly  in  affluent  circum 
stances  ;  misfortune,  however,  beyond  his  control,  had 
i  educed  his  finances  to  a  moderate  competency.  Prev 
iously  to  the  wreck  of  his  fortune,  he  had  bestowed  on 
his  lovely  daughter  an  education  of  the  highest  order. 
To  a  form  sufficiently  tall,  she  combined  the  most  exact 
proportions  of  figure,  with  features  that  defied  the  most 
scrupulous  criticism.  Her  dark  auburn  hair  played  in 
graceful  ringlets  over  a  neck  of  snow-white  softness. 
Her  forehead  was  high  and  strongly  marked  with  intel 
ligence,  which  exhibited  to  great  advantage  her  arched 
eyebrow,  and  soft  blue  eyes.  Her  nose  was  aquiline,  and 
from  between  a  pair  of  ruby  lips  was  seen  a  set  of 
teeth  regular  and  white  as  the  most  polished  ivory,  with 
cheeks  that  blushed  at  the  praise  of  their  own  loveli 
ness  ;  but  although  her  exterior  was  such  as  to  capti 
vate  every  eye,  yet  her  mind  was  in  perfect  consonance 


108  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

with  her  person.  She  was  fluent  in  all  the  polite  lan 
guages,  conversant  with  their  best  authors,  ready  in  his 
torical  learning ;  but  that  in  which  she  excelled  mostly 
was  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  history  of  her  own 
country.  She  had  an  exquisite  taste,  and  sound  judg 
ment,  was  remarkable  for  judicious  selections,  and  her 
knowledge  of  the  fine  arts,  painting,  poetry,  and  music, 
was  respectable.  Indeed  the  tones  which  she  produced 
from  her  skill  on  the  piano,  would  have  thrilled  even 
the  fastidious  and  musical  ear  of  Paganini.  Her  car 
riage  was  so  graceful  and  elegant,  that  she  compelled 
every  beholder  at  least  to  admire  and  respect,  if  not  to 
love.  Was  it  possible,  therefore,  in  the  society  of  such 
a  lovely  creature  to  be  cold  and  indifferent  ?  No,  no, 
the  frosts  of  many  winters  must  have  whitened  the 
head,. and  furrowed  the  cheeks  of  that  being,  who  would 
look  upon  so  much  beauty  and  worth,  and  not  love." 

"Why,  lad,"  said  the  boatswain,  "while  you've 
been  spinning  this  yarn  I  've  been  in  love  with  her 
myself  for  more  than  half  a  glass,  and  I  do  n't  much 
wonder  at  such  a  tight  chap  as  you  are  striking  your 
colors  to  such  a  handsome  frigate  ;  but  come,  lad,  go 
on  with  your  yarn,  I  'd  rather  hear  it  than  about  the 
Revolution,  Lord  North,  or  Captain  Kidd ;  for  I  was 
once  in  pretty  much  such  a  fix,  but  an  East  India  cruise 
washed  it  all  away." 

The  young  seaman  proceeded  as  follows  : 
"  At  first  the  powers  of  conversation,  and  other  ele 
gant  accomplishments,  produced  a  strong  desire  to  be 
frequently  in  her  company,  which  I  believed  grew  en- 


* 

»  - 

•i- 
THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


tirely  out  of  respect  for  her  talents  ;  but  soon,  very 
soon,  I  found  a  passion  kindling  in  ray  heart  which  -was 
impossible  to  mistake,  and  before  I  was  aware  of  it  I 
was  deeply  in  love." 

Just  as  the  young  seaman  had  rounded  off  the  fore 
going  sentence,  the  helmsman  sung  out  eight  bells. 
They  were  astonished  when  they  perceived  the  hours 
had  passed  off  so  rapidly.  The  young  seaman 
promised  to  conclude  his  history  at  some  favorable  op 
portunity,  and  then  turned  in  for  the  night. 
10 


CHAPTER  X. 

CHASE,   ENGAGEMENT,   CAPTURE   OP   A   BRITISH   BRIG,   ETC. 

SEVERAL  days  elapsed  and  nothing  transpired  worthy 
of  note.  A  constant  succession  of  fair  winds,  and  a 
press  of  canvass  drove  the  Cruiser  rapidly  towards  the 
appointed  cruising  ground.  She  had  now  been  cruising 
for  some  time,  and  as  yet,  nothing  of  interest,  or  at 
least  of  profit,  had  marked  the  cruise,  and  the  officers 
grew  weary  of  the  dull  monotony  which  this  loss  of  time 
created,  such  was  the  enormous  expenditure  of  provisions 
and  water,  that  they  were  fearful  it  might  be  necessary 
to  replenish  before  any  thing  was  effected ;  the  crew  com 
plained  of  their  ill  luck,  and  some  of  the  old  salts  affirmed 
roundly,  and  with  great  seriousness  that  there  must  be  a 
Jonah  on  board. 

Now  as  none  of  the  crew  had  a  very  great  affection 
for  the  Major,  (and  the  reason  was  simply  that  he  could 
take  his  own  part,  and  did  so  upon  all  occasions,)  the 
lot  fell  upon  him,  and  it  was  unanimously  agreed,  that 
unless  they  fell  in  with  something  very  soon,  the  unfortu 
nate  Major  must  be  the  cause,  and  therefore  they  treated 
him  Jonah  fashion  as  they  termed  it ;  this  most  super 
stitious  and  unjust  suspicion  was  however  overruled,  for 
110 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  HI 

the  safety  of  the  Major,  the  credit  of  the  crew,  and  res 
toration  of  good  feeling  with  all  on  board  ;  for  while  they 
were  discussing  this  subject,  the  cry  of  "  sail  ho !  "  was 
reported  from  the  mast-head.  Fifty  human  beings 
simultaneously  started  upon  their  feet,  and  "  sail  ho  " 
was  repeated  from  almost  every  voice  fore  and  aft  the 
Cruiser.  After  the  customary  inquiries  from  the  officer 
of  the  deck,  the  stranger  was  reported  to  be  four  points 
on  the  lee  bow,  standing  to  the  southward,  and  at  a 
great  distance  off;  although  the  boatswain  wound  his 
call  to  summons  all  hands  on  deck  to  make  sail,  yet  this 
order  was  unnecessary,  for  every  man  was  excited  when 
the  cry  was  heard,  and  all  were  straining  their  eyes  to 
get  a  look  at  the  strange  sail.  In  a  few  minutes  the 
Cruiser  bore  up  and  was  under  a  cloud  of  canvass,  in 
chase  of  the  stranger.  A  "  stern-chase,"  however,  always 
appears  to  be  a  long  chase  ;  so  in  this  case,  for  it  was 
nearly  an  hour  before  the  stranger  could  be  seen  from 
the  deck  of  the  Cruiser.  Now  as  there  was  but  six 
hours  daylight,  it  became  a  matter  of  doubt  whether  the 
character  of  the  stranger  could  be  ascertained.  How 
ever,  the  next  hour,  the  Cruiser  came  up  with  the  chase 
so  rapidly,  that  the  head  of  the  top-gallant  sails  were 
seen  from  the  deck.  The  stranger  was  scrutinized  long 
and  anxiously  by  the  Commander,  after  which  he  ob 
served,  "  I  believe  by  the  appearance  of  those  short 
yards  and  taut  masts,  that  she  must  be  an  Englishman ; 
no  doubt  a  running  vessel  bound  to  the  Brazils,  well 
manned  and  armed,  and  she  sails  well." 

By  this  time  the  courses  of  the  brig  were  distinctly 


112  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

seen,  but  there  were  two  hours  more  daylight.  "  She 
is  at  least  six  miles  off,"  said  the  Commander,  "  and  we 
must  gain  three  miles  per  hour,  if  we  overhaul  her 
hefore  dark.  Quarter-master,  heave  the  log  ?  "  This 
order  was  instantly  obeyed,  and  she  was  reported  to 
have  run  off  eleven  knots  and  a  half. 

"  Long  Tom  will  be  in  speaking  distance  before 
dark,"  said  the  Commander. 

"  It  may  be,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant ;  "  but  is  it 
your  intention  to  engage  her  in  the  night,  especially 
before  we  ascertain  to  what  nation  she  belongs,  for  it  is 
certain  we  shall  not  be  able  to  designate  her  colors 
before  night." 

This  opinion  was  corroborated  by  the  remainder  of 
the  officers,  and  after  some  Consultation  they  unani 
mously  agreed  to  keep  the  brig  close  aboard  during  the 
night,  and  engage  her  early  the  next  morning.  Before 
night  set  in,  the  Cruiser  was  about  half  a  mile  distance 
from  the  brig,  and  it  became  necessary  to  shorten  sail, 
in  order  to  keep  astern  of  the  chase.  The  opinion,  of 
the  first  lieutenant  was  correct ;  for  although  colors 
were  seen  at  the  brig's  peak,  yet  it  was  impossible  to 
make  them  out. 

All  hands  were  ordered  to  lay  at  their  quarters 
during  the  night,  and  every  preparation  was  made  for 
action  in  the  morning.  It  was  a  clear,  starlight  night, 
and  the  brig  was  under  a  cloud,  although  the  Cruiser 
kept  away,  with  her  foresails  within  musket  shot.  Not 
a  sound  was  heard  save  now  and  then  the  creaking 
blocks  from  the  brig  as  she  rolled  over  the  waves. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  113 

dashing  the  foam  on  the  bows  of  the  Cruiser.  The 
stars  shone  brilliantly,  and  reflected  a  variety  of  twink 
ling  images  on  the  deep  blue  ocean.  It  was  a  splendid 
chase.  Now  the  Cruiser  would  range  so  close  that  her 
jib-boom  was  almost  over  the  taffrail  of  the  brig  ;  and 
yet  the  most  profound  silence  was  kept  on  both  sides, 
for  the  reasons  that  the  officers  of  the  Cruiser  were 
confident  that  their  neighbor  was  an  Englishman. 

"  That's  a  bold  chap,"  said  the  boatswain  to  the 
young  seaman,  "  and  if  he  fights  that  brig  to-morrow, 
as  stubborn  -as  he  has  sailed  her  to-day,  why  I  '11  miss 
my  reck'ning  if  we  do  n't  have  pretty  sharp  work  before 
her  colors  are  down ;  for  look  there,  lad,  she 's  a  long 
craft,  and  to  my  mind  she's  a  pretty  good  row  of 
teeth." 

Towards  morning  the  wind  moderated,  and  by  some 
unaccountable  negligence,  the  brig  was  suffered  to 
range  two  miles  ahead,  and  when  daylight  appeared, 
she  bore  nearly  on  the  beam,  so  that  it  brought  the 
Cruiser  close  to  the  wind.  It  was  not  long,  however, 
before  she  came  within  gun-shot,  and  the  stars  and 
stripes  were  displayed,  which  was  immediately  answered 
by  showing  the  British  flag.  At  the  same  time  she 
took  in  all  her  light  sails,  hauled  up  her  courses  and 
prepared  for  action.  For  a  few  moments  the  two  vessels 
run  abeam  of  each  other. 

"•Now,"  said  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser,  "  we 
will  let  Long  Tom  carry  a  message  to  John  Bull 
Gunner,  are  you  ready  ?  " 

"  Aye,  aye,  sir." 
10* 


114  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

"  Do  n't  cripple  her  spars,  for  we  must  send  her  in 
without  delay." 

The  order  was  given  to  fire.  As  soon  as  the  smoke 
cleared  away,  the  brig  returned  this  friendly  salutation, 
by  pouring  in  a  broadside  from  six  nine  pounders,  which 
did  no  other  damage,  except  two  of  the  shot  passed 
through  the  mainsail.  Long  Tom  was  again  carefully 
loaded,  and  as  there  was  no  particular  order  given,  the 
old  gunner  thought  his  darling  Tom  would  be  a  faithful 
messenger  this  time  ;  and  so  it  was  in  fact,  for  the  next 
shot  struck  the  brig  amidships,  wounding  several  men, 
and  shattered  her  launch.  A  brisk  fire  was  kept  up 
from  the  brig  with  considerable  effect.  The  rigging  and 
sails  of  the  Cruiser  were  much  damaged.  The  Eng 
lishman,  however,  had  nothing  to  boast  of. 

"  We  must  engage  him,"  said  the  Commander,  "  at 
close  quarters,  for  he  will  not  strike  that  British  flag 
until  the  last  hope  fails." 

The  Cruiser  was  luffed  up  across  the  bow  of  the 
enemy,  perceiving  which,  the  brig  bore  up  for  a  raking 
fire.  This  was  an  unfortunate  mistake,  for  the  Cruiser 
had  greatly  the  advantage  of  sailing,  consequently  she 
soon  got  a  weather-guage,  and  chose  a  position  which 
was  used  to  great  effect. 

The  action  now  became  terrible,  for  the  two  were  en 
gaged  at  pistol  shot  distance.  The  carronades  of  the 
Cruiser  poured  a  most  galling  and  murderous  fire  «into 
the  enemy ;  nor  was  the  Englishman  slack  in  returning 
the  compliment,  for  a  pretty  equal  average  was  made 
in  the  loss  of  the  rigging,  spars,  &c.,  on  both  sides. 


AMERICAN    CRUISER.  117 

Thus  far  three  men  were  killed  and  several  wounded 
in  the  Cruiser,  and  the  remainder,  wrought  up  to  fury, 
were  clamorous  to  board  the  enemy.  Long  Tom  was 
put  in  requisition,  and  the  practised  eye  of  the  gunner 
directing  the  messenger,  it  cut  away  the  Englishman's 
foreyard.  Great  confusion  now  took  place  on  board  of 
the  brig  ;  the  fore-topsails  became  useless,  so  that  it  was 
impossible  to  keep  her  out  of  the  wind,  especially  as 
her  jibstay  was  cut  away.  This  brought  the  two  nearly 
in  collision  :  the  next  minute,  they  were  yard  arm  and 
yard  arm,  and  the  two  undaunted  friends,  viz.  the  boat 
swain  and  young  seaman,  had  grappled  and  lashed  the 
Cruiser  to  the  forechains.  It  was  the  work  of  a 
moment,  yet  a  more  fearful  and  determined  conflict  for 
a  short  time  was  never  seen.  "  Boarders  away ! " 
shouted  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser.  Like  so  many 
wild  demons,  fifty  of  the  most  furious  and  undaunted 
men,  the  boatswain  and  young  seaman  being  foremost, 
leaped  into  the  channels  and  clambered  up  the  sides  of 
the  enemy ;  but  they  were  received  with  determined 
coolness,  for  the  Englishman's  boarding  pikes  made 
fearful  work  with  the  assailants.  The  English  captain 
fought  like  a  tiger.  His  bravery  was  but  of  little  avail, 
for  by  this  time,  although  the  young  seaman  had  re 
ceived  a  sabre  wound  in  the  shoulder,  yet  he  had  gained 
the  deck  of  the  brig,  and  was  rushing  up  sword  in  hand, 
followed  by  the  fearless  boatswain,  two  lieutenants,  and 
a  number  of  the  crew.  It  was  a  moment  of  the  wildest 
excitement :  the  Englishmen  fought  to  desperation  ;  the 
young  seaman,  like  a  furious  lion  roused  at  the  sight  of 


118  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

blood,  rushed  aft  with  daring  impetuosity,  at  the  head 
of  the  assailants,  bearing  down  all  opposition,  until 
momentarily  checked  by  seven  of  the  brig's  crew,  with 
their  brave  captain.  They  had  taken  a  position  each 
side  of  the  wheel,  and  appeared  determined  to  sacrifice 
their  lives  rather  than  to  see  the  British  flag  hauled 
down.  A  stout  English  sailor,  with  tremendous  mus 
cular  powers,  came  into  collision  with  the  young 
seaman  ;  such  w,as  the  force  and  dexterity  with  which 
he  handled  the  sabre,  that  he  struck  the  pistol  from  the 
American's  hand,  but  while  he  dealt  the  blow,  he  left 
his  own  breast  uncovered.  He  saw  his  danger  and 
started,  but  it  was  too  late :  the  next  moment  he  was  at 
the  young  seaman's  feet.  For  a  few  minutes  a  most 
sanguinary  and  bloody  contest  ensued.  The  boatswain, 
maddened  at  the  sight  of  the  wound  received  by  his 
young  friend,  dashed  upon  the  Britons.  His  first  onset 
was  with  the  captain,  who  weakened  by  the  loss  of  blood, 
soon  fell  under  his  powerful  arm.  The  assailed  now  gave 
way,  being  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  the  young 
seaman,  true  to  the  object  in  view,  since  the  com 
mencement  of  the  action,  although  he  was  faint  from 
his  wounds,  staggered  aft,  and  with  his  own  arm  hauled 
down  the  British  flag  ;  after  which  he  sunk  exhausted 
upon  its  folds. 

The  deadly  battle  was  now  over,  the  brig  was  cap 
tured,  and  the  two  vessels  hauled  off  to  repair  damages. 
All  the  wounded  were  taken  on  board  the  Cruiser, 
where  they  received  all  the  attention  that  circumstances 
could  bestow.  The  noble  British  captain  and  the  brave 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  H9 

young  American  seaman  were  subjects  of  admiration  to 
all  on  board.  Their  wounds  being  examined,  were  pro 
nounced  not  mortal,  but  the  loss  of  killed  and  wounded 
on  both  sides  was  fearful.  The  Cruiser,  however,  suf 
fered  more  than  the  brig,  no  doubt  because  of  the  great 
number  of  the  crew. 

The  next  day  the  damages  were  all  repaired.  A 
^prize-master  and  crew  were  put  aboard  of  the  brig, 
with  orders  to  proceed  with  all  possible  despatch  to  any 
port  in  the.  United  States  she  could  best  enter  with 
safety.  The  brig  mounted  twelve  nine  pounders,  with 
a  complement  of  thirty-five  men,  bound  to  Pernambuco, 
with  a  full  cargo  of  British  merchandize. 


CHAPTER  XL 

PORTUGUESE  BRIG,  AND  PRISONERS  RELEASED. 

FOR  several  days  after  the  events  recorded  in  the 
preceding  chapter,  the  Cruiser  was  shrouded  in  gloom. 
It  was  a  melancholy  sight  to  behold  the  last  sad  offices 
of  respect  which  were  shown  to  those  who  had  fallen  in 
battle.  Every  feeling,  alike  on  both  sides,  was  merged 
into  those  of  humanity  and  sorrow.  Americans  and 
Englishmen  shared  the  same  common  respect,  when 
they  were  deposited  in  their  ocean  grave.  The  same 
feelings  of  sorrow  were  exhibited  by  each  as  they  stood 
around  the  gang-way,  looking  upon  their  departed  ship 
mates. 

It  was  an  hour  of  deeper  sadness  when  all  hands  were 
called  to  witness  the  funeral  ceremonies.  There  stood  a 
group  of  old  seamen,  of  both  nations,  promiscuously  to 
gether,  with  hard  features,  bronzed  cheeks,  and  frames 
that  seemed  to  defy  the  hardships  and  perils  of  an  ocean 
life,  and  who  had  never  flinched  in  storm  or  battle  ;  yet 
the  falling  tears  chased  each  other,  in  rapid  succession, 
down  their  weather-beaten  faces,  while  they  gave  way 
to  the  deepest  feelings  of  sympathetic  woe.  Another 
party,  from  whom  might  have  been  expected  but  few 
120 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

of  the  finer  traits  of  humanity,  had  depicted  on  their 
countenances  evident  traces  of  sorrow  and  sadness. 
The  more  youthful  seamen,  although  they  had  behaved 
gallantly  during  the  action,  now  gave  way  to  extrava 
gant  expressions  of  grief,  especially  as  the  bodies 
were  launched  into  the  deep.  A  heavy  splashing 
sound  was  heard,  and  as  the  waves  opened  to  receive 
the  mortal  remains  they  sank  beneath  the  surface  of  the 
ocean,  there  to  rest  until  the  sea  shall  give  up  its  dead. 
•  The  wounded  shared  alike  the  sympathies  and  atten 
tion  of  all  hands  ;  yet  perhaps  greater  concern  was  man 
ifested  for  the  brave  young  American  seaman ;  his 
wounds,  though  deep,  were  not  mortal.  Time,  however, 
and  great  care,  were  necessary  to  reinstate  him  in  a 
condition  for  active  duty.  This,  together  with  his  bold 
intrepidity,  (for  he  was  the  first  man  on  the  enemy's 
deck,  heading  the  boarders,)  his  activity  and  daring  im 
petuosity,  which  bore  down  all  opposition,  his  sanguinary 
and  bloody  conflict  on  the  quarter-deck  of  the  brig, 
when  faint  and  nearly  exhausted  from  the  loss  of  blood, 
his  high  ambition  and  noble  emulation  in  hauling 
down  the  British  flag,  gained  not  only  the  admiration 
of  both  officers  and  seamen,  but  also  won  for  him  an 
unfading  laurel.  The  undaunted  boatswain  had  fought 
side  by  side  with  his  young  friend.  His  powerful  mus 
cular  arm  not  only  dealt  destruction  to  all  within  its 
reach,  but  also  parried  many  a  deadly  blow,  aimed  at 
his  young  friend.  It  was  not  strange,  therefore,  that 
their  former  friendship  should  be  greatly  increased  from 
the  fact  of  their  rendering  service  to  each  other  in  the 
11 


122  THE    AMERICAN    CKUISER. 

heat  of  battle.  It  was  even  so,  for  no  circumstance 
whatever  could  induce  the  boatswain,  when  off  duty,  to 
be  absent  from  the  berth  of  his  young  friend  in  the 
ward-room.  He  cheered  many  a  lonely  hour  by  his 
assiduous  acts  of  kindness,  and  when  associations  would 
call  up  recollections  of  former  days,  and  throw  a  shade 
of  gloom  over  the  pale  features  of  the  young  man, 
then  it  was  the  boatswain  would  s,pin  a  yarn  of  com 
bined  fleets,  forming  a  line,  battles  fought,  or  the  indis 
soluble  friendship  of  true  seamen;  and  his  -manner  of 
relation  was  always  so  ingenuous  and  exciting,  that  it 
invariably  diverted  the  young  seaman's  thoughts. 
Often  at  the  conclusion  of  these  yarns,  the  young  sea 
man  would  grasp  the  hand  of  the  other,  exclaiming, 
"  You  are  my  true  messmate,  my  friend,  my  noble 
friend." 

The  Cruiser  after  the  action,  had  steered  away  so  as 
to  get  into  the  vicinity  of  the  Madeira  Islands,  a  famous 
cruising  ground,  although  attended  with  some  risk,  be 
cause  of  the  men-of-war,  which  of  course  would  be  hov 
ering  about  there.  No  danger,  however  imminent, 
would  deter  the  commander  from  carrying  into  execu 
tion  any  plans  which  he  formed ;  he  resolved  to  make 
the  Islands,  and  take  a  peep  into  Madeira. 

It  was  a  bright  and  beautiful  morning.  The  sun 
shone  resplendently,  the  sea  was  smooth,  and  the  north 
eastern  breeze  blew  moderately,  of  sufficient  strength, 
however,  to  keep  the  sails  asleep.  It  was  one  of  those 
days  in  which  the  weather-beaten  tar  forgets  the  hard 
ships  and  perils  of  an  ocean  life.  His  feelings  generally 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


are  in  consonance  with  the  state  of  the  weather.  Thus 
it  was  on  the  present  occasion,  for  the  gloom  had  nearly 
worn  off,  and  the  wounded,  with  the  exception  of  the 
young  seaman,  and  the  English  captain,  were  conva 
lescent  ;  the  sailors,  therefore,  were  in  high  spirits, 
and  partook  largely  of  that  consequent  feeling  induced 
by  the  serenity  and  beauty  of  the  weather.  Nor  was 
this  feeling  absent  from  the  quarter-deck  ;  invited  by  the 
splendor  of  the  morning,  they  all  retreated  from  below, 
to  enjoy  the  fresh  air,  and  beauty  of  the  present  scene. 

"  What  distance  are  we  from  Madeira  ?  "  inquired 
the  Commander  of  the  sailing-master. 

This  was  a  puzzler  for  the  Down  Easter,  because  he 
had  not  yet  worked  up  the  last  twenty-four  hours'  log. 
However,  he  was  always  ready  in  any  and  every  emer 
gency,  for  when  he  could  not  give  a  positive  answer,  he 
invariably  resorted  to  his  favorite  substitute,  and  there 
fore  answered  the  Commander  by  saying  : 

"  I  guess  we  are  about  seventy-five  miles  off  that 
island." 

"  We  shall  see  the  islands  to-day  if  the  breeze  lasts," 
observed  the  Commander,  "  and  it  is  likely,  we  may  fall 
in  with  some  neutral  vessel,  perhaps  a  Spanish  or  Por 
tuguese  trader.  I  am  anxious  that  it  should  be  so,  for 
if  we  should  fall  in  with  the  enemy,  the  prisoners  will 
be  a  great  incumbrance  to  us,  and  therefore  we  must 
liberate  them  as  soon  as  possible."  . 

"  I  am  of  the  same  opinion,"  answered  the  first  lieu 
tenant  ;  "  but  is  it  your  intention  to  look  into  the  har 
bor  of  Madeira  ?  " 


124  THE    AMERICAN .  CRUISER. 

The  answer  was  in  the  affirmative. 

"  If  I  may  venture  to  suggest  an  opinion,"  observed 
the  first  lieutenant,  "  I  should  think  the  safer  plan  is  to 
remain  near  the  island  until  we  overhaul  some  neutral 
trader,  from  whom  we  can  ascertain  how  many  vessels 
there  are  hi  port,  the  strength  of  the  enemy,  and  when 
they  sail ;  for  you  are  aware,  sir,  that  this  is  the  season 
for  outward-bound  East  Indiamen,  and  of  course  they 
will  be  strongly  convoyed.  If  then,  we  get  such  infor 
mation,  let  us  keep  to  windward,  with  a  good  look-out, 
and  when  they  leave  port  we  can  make  a  dash  at  them 
hi  the  night." 

The  Commander  was  silent ;  but  his  opinion  once 
formed,  could  not  be  shaken,  unless  there  were  powerful 
and  urgent  reasons. 

The  conversation  now  took  an  entirely  different 
range. 

"  I  believe,"  observed  the  first  lieutenant,  "  that  it 
will  be  some  time  before  our  young  shipmate  recovers  so 
as  to  be  able  to  perform  active  service.  He  was  badly 
wounded,  and  I  know  not  how  he  sustained  himself 
after  that  first  cut  on  his  shoulder.  It  was  his  valor 
and  noble  spirit,  sir.  I  saw  him  and  his  friend  the 
boatswain,  with  the  dexterity  of  eagles,  in  the  midst  of 
a  galling  fire,  lash  the  two  vessels  together.  I  saw 
them  when  the  boarders  were  checked  abaft,  mount  the 
fore-chains ;  the  young  seaman  being  the  first  on  the 
brig's  deck,  followed  by  the  undaunted  boatswain,  stim 
ulated  our  men,  by  their  courage,  fearlessly  to  imitate 
their  example.  I  saw  that  gallant  young  man  after  he 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  125 

had  received  the  wound  on  his  shoulder,  with  the  boat 
swain  at  his  side.  Like  two  furious  lions  they  were  in 
the  midst  of  that  sanguinary  conflict.  Yes,  sir,  they 
are  brave  fellows,  and  would  do  honor  to  the  regular 
service." 

"  By  our  flag,"  said  the  Commander,  excited  with 
the  narration,  "  that  young  man  shall  have  a  berth  in 
the  ward-room." 

"  Sir,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  "  he  will  not 
accept  the  promotion ;  for  the  perils  they  mutually 
shared  in  this  action,  but  especially  the  powerful  arm 
of  the  boatswain  having  warded  off  the  deadly  blow 
aimed  at  the  life  of  his  friend,  has  cemented  their 
friendship,  if  possible,  more  strongly  than  ever." 

The  conversation  was  broken  off  by  the  cry  of  "  Sail 
ho  !  "  The  stranger  was  reported  to  be  a  brig  standing 
to  the  eastward,  bearing  four  points  on  the  weather 
bow.  In  a  few  minutes  the  Cruiser  was  under  a  cloud 
of  sail  in  chase,  and  prepared  for  action.  It  was  not 
more  than  half  an  hour  before  the  colors  of  the  stranger 
were  distinctly  ascertained  to  be  Portuguese,  for  she 
had  hove  to.  The  English  prisoners  were  ordered  to 
get  their  dunnage  ready,  and  in  less  than  half  an  hour 
the  Cruiser's  boats  were  employed  in .  transporting  the 
Englishmen  and  their  traps  on  board  of  the  brig,  which 
proved  to  be  a  Portuguese  trader,  from  Madeira  the 
previous  day,  bound  to  Lisbon.  Information  was  re 
ceived  that  there  were  several  East  Indiamen,  outward 
bound,  under  convoy  of  a  seventy-four  and  two  frigates, 
and  were  to  sail  in  two  or  three  days.  The  prisoners 
11* 


126  THE    AMEKICAN    CKUISER. 

being  all  deposited  on  board  of  the  brig,  the  Cruiser 
bore  away  to  make  the  island,  which  was  judged  to  be 
fifty  miles  off.  Some  doubts  were  entertained  as  to  the 
correctness  of  the  information  received  from  the  Portu 
guese,  especially  as  he  was  in  no  very  good  humor,  not 
caring  to  have  so  many  incumbrances  as  were  put  on 
board  of  his  brig ;  the  Commander  therefore  resolved 
to  adhere  to  his  first  project,  that  of  looking  into  the 
harbor. 

Towards  sunset  the  Island  of  Madeira  was  seen  from 
the  mast-head  ;  the  wind  moderated,  and  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  first  night-watch  it  fell  away  to  a 
dead  calm.  It  was  a  magnificent  night :  the  moon  was 
high  in  the  heavens,  sailing  in  cloudless  spleudor,  her 
silvery  light  tipping  the  tops  of  the  billows,  and 
stretching  in  a  long  line  of  effulgence  across  the 
waters ;  the  waves  pleasantly  laved  the  sides  of  the 
Cruiser  as  she  rolled  gently  in  the  moderate  swell ; 
the  decks  were  noiseless,  the  quiet  moon  seemed 
as  if  by  some  magic  spell  she  had  hushed  the  deep 
into  silence  ;  for  scarcely  a  sound  rose  up  from  the 
heaving  waves,  which,  glittering  now  in  the  wake 
of  the  moon,  and  now  sinking  into  sudden  shadow, 
stretched  away  in  the  distance,  until  they  faded  into 
the  dim  hues  of  the  distant  sea-board.  The  whole 
scene  was  like  a  vision  of  romance,  and  yet  to 
shipmen,  a  scene  like  this  is  more  portentous  than  the 
wild  wind's  blast. 

Towards  the  dawn  of  day,  a  gentle  north-eastern 
breeze  sprung  up,  and  at  broad  daylight  the  Island  was 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  129 

twenty  miles  distant.  Nothing  was  in  sight,  and  the 
Cruiser  stood  boldly  in  for  the  land,  until  within  ten 
miles  of  it,  and  then  hove  to,  being  to  windward  of  the 
harbor.  She  was  not  long,  however,  destined  to  remain 
quiet,  for  while  the  crew  were  in  the  act  of  making  a 
delicious  breakfast,  partly  made  up  of  some  fruit  which 
they  had  got  from  the  Portuguese,  several  vessels 
were  reported  to  be  standing  out  of  the  harbor,  and 
before  a  quarter  of  an  hour  had  elapsed,  a  large  ship 
was  discovered  bearing  on  the  beam,  close  hauled  on 
the  starboard  tack.  The  Cruiser  being  far  to  wind 
ward,  made  no  other  disposition  than  to  get  on  the  same 
tack.  It  was  the  general  belief  that  the  stranger  to 
leeward  was  a  frigate,  one  of  the  convoy  sent  to  look 
after  the  Cruiser.  All  doubts  on  this  head  were  dis 
pelled  in  less  than  an  hour,  for  the  hull  of  the  stranger 
was  distinctly  seen  from  the  deck,  and  after  close  ob 
servation,  was  pronounced  to  be  a  frigate  in  chase,  for 
she  had  already  tacked.  "  It  is  time  for  us  rto  show 
our  heels,"  said  the  Commander.  Every  yard  of  can 
vass  was  spread  to  advantage  by  the  wind ;  her  trim 
was  correctly  ascertained,  and  now  she  waited  the  issue. 
Again  the  exciting  cry  of  "  Sail  ho  !  "  was  reported 
from  aloft,  bearing  four  points  on  the  weather  bow. 
All  was  now  excitement,  for  should  this  vessel  prove  to 
be  a  man-of-war,  the  situation  of  the  Cruiser  would  be 
extremely  critical.  In  a  very  short  tune  the  alarming 
question  was  decided,  for  the  stranger  to  windward  was 
bearing  down  upon  the  Cruiser  under  a  clond  of  sail, 
and  with  such  rapidity  did  they  close  together,  that  her 


130  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

character  was  soon  made  out  to  be  a  British  sloop 
of  war. 

"  Here,  then,  we -are  between  two  fires,"  said  the 
Commander,  "  and  one  of  them  we  must  take,  or  I  am 
very  much  mistaken.  On  what  tack  is  the  stranger  to 
leeward  ?  " 

The  reply  was,  "  On  the  starboard  tack." 

The  Cruiser  was  now  kept  away  four  points,  and  as 
the  wind  had  freshened  she  flew  over  the  blue  billows 
at  the  rate  of  ten  knots  per  hour  ;  and  the  stranger  to 
windward  made  no  secret  of  his  character  or  intentions, 
for  he  displayed  an  English  flag  and  sent  an  eighteen 
pound  shot,  by  way  of  a  token  of  further  civilities. 

It  now  became  evident,  that  the  situation  of  the 
Cruiser  was  exceedingly  dangerous.  The  frigate  to 
leeward  was  closing  in  with  her,  and  it  was  impossible 
to  escape  the  fire  of  the  sloop  of  war  ;  but  they  rather 
chose  to  risk  that  fire  in  preference  to  running  down  to 
leeward^of  the  frigate 

"  We  shall  pay  some  respects  to  the  one  to  wind 
ward,  so  get  Long  Tom  ready,"  said  the  Commander. 

The  gunnei  was  not  a  little  gratified  at  this  order, 
and  he  therefore  charged  his  favorite  with  the  utmost 
exactness.  The  most  intense  anxiety  now  prevailed. 
All  eyes  were  fixed  to  windward,  nor  did  they  heed  the 
leeward  chase,  until  the  quarter-master  reported  her  to 
be  only  two  points  on  the  lee  quarter.  The  chase  now 
became  intensely  exciting.  The  two  vessels  were  run 
ning  abeam  of  each  .other,  scarcely  more  than  half  a 
gunshot  distance.  The  Cruiser,  however,  had  the  ad- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  131 

rantage  of  sailing,  over  the  windward  chase  ;  but  tho 
frigate  appeared  to  gain  rapidly.  The  sloop  of  war 
perceiving  the  superior  sailing  of  the  Cruiser,  opened  a 
brisk  fire,  and  the  frigate  being  about  gunshot  off,  sent 
a  messenger  also.  Just  at  this  moment  another  sail 
was  reported  from  the  mast-head  two  points  on  the  lee 
bow ;  and  at  the  same  time  a  shot  from  the  windward 
chase  cut  away  the  lower  studding-sail  boom.  In  a  few 
minutes  another  boom  was  rigged  out,  and  the  sail  set, 
amid  a  shower  of  balls  which  fell  around  the  Cruiser. 

"  Our  chance  of  escape  depends  entirely  upon  crip 
pling  the  windward  chase,"  said  the  Commander. 

Long  Tom  was  again  put  into  requisition  ;  the  gunner 
elevated  it  with  great  precision.  The  order  was  given 
to  fire.  The  messenger  was  sent  in  a  broad  sheet  of 
flame,  and  when  the  smoke  cleared  away,  there  was  the 
sloop  of  Avar's  fore-topmast  hanging  over  her  side,  and 
almost  at  the  same  moment  a  shot  from  her  passed 
through  the  Cruiser's  foresail.  Three  cheers  were 
given,  and  the  Yankee  stripes  floated  high  in  the  breeze 
of  heaven. 

But  the  play  was  not  yet  over,  for  the  frigate  held 
good  way,  and  the  sail  to  leeward  was  standing  across 
the  Cruiser's  bow,  but  the  sloop  of  war  dropped  astern, 
and  in  less  than  twenty  minutes,  the  Cruiser  hauled 
close  by  the  wind,  and  hi  four  hours,  by  making  short 
boards,  she  left  her  unwelcome  companions  far  to 
leeward. 


CHAPTER 


THE  YOUNG  SEAMAN'S   NARRATIVE  CONTINUED. 

A  SAILOK'S  life  is  exciting,  and  one  of  continued  pri 
vation  and  exposure.     It  is  seldom  that  he  has  a  bright 
sky,  fair  winds,  and  smooth  sea.     Short  and  interrupted 
are  his  enjoyments  of  social  life,  the  greater  part  of  his 
time  being  spent  on  the  mountain-waves  ;  consequently 
he   contracts   habits,  entirely  different  from  those   of 
landsmen.      His   privations    and    frequent   wants    of 
that  sustenance  which  is  necessary  to  support  animal 
life,  gives  him   a  heart    to  feel  for  the   distress  of 
others  ;    he   is   therefore   proverbially   generous,  scat 
tering  his  money  like   dust,   and    his  hand  is   ever 
open  to  relieve  the  wants  and  distress  of  the  needy. 
•  His  constant  exposure  makes  him  a  stranger  to  fears, 
and  he  will  hazard  danger  that  would  make  a  lands 
man  quail.     The  ocean  being  his  home,  and  seamen  his 
companions,  he  is  apt  to  think  that  all  men  are  like  him 
self  ;  consequently  he  is  unacquainted  with  the  trickery 
and  ways  of  the  world,  over  whose  surface  he  is  con 
stantly  floating,  and  therefore  he  becomes  an  easy  dupe 
to  every  designing  knave  on  shore. 

If  a  sea  life  is  exciting  on  board  of  a  merchant  vessel 
132 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  133 

it  is  infinitely  more  so  on  board  of  an  armed  vessel  or 
cruiser,  especially  in  time  of  war,  for  besides  the  usual 
necessary  duty,  there  is  constant  anxiety  kept  up.  In 
the  first  place,  the  great  consumption  of  provisions  and 
water  makes  it  necessary  to  touch  at  some  neutral  port 
to  replenish;  this  is  attended  with  danger.  Again, 
chasing  and  being  chased,  battles,  captures,  risk  of  im 
prisonment,  all  these,  together  with  the  casualties  of 
the  ocean,  keep  the  mind  in  the  highest  state  of  excite 
ment.  Thus  it  was  on  board  of  the  Cruiser.  Scarcely 
had  the  wounds  healed  which  were  received  in  the 
action  with  the  brig,  than  the  close  chase  and  narrow 
escape  immediately  followed.  Here,  then,  was  matter 
of  conversation,  which  was  improved  to  the  greatest  ad 
vantage,  and  which  served  to  keep  alive  the  excitement 
that  prevailed  fore  and  aft. 

"  That  was  a  neat  chase  and  conducted  in  a  seaman- 
like  manner,"  observed  the  boatswain  to  the  young  sea 
man,  for  the  latter  had  so  far  recovered  from  the  effects 
of  his  wounds  that  he  was  able  to  go  on  deck,  but  not 
yet  sufficiently  strong  for  duty.     "  I  think,"  continued 
the  boatswain,  "  this  craft,  with  a  fair  chance,  and  weH 
handled,  is  a  match  for  any  thing  that  floats,  especially 
by  the  wind  ;  but  thanks  to  Long  Tom  and  the  gunner's 
eye  for  our  escape.     It  was  a  hot  chase,  and  that  sloop 
of  war  threw  her  shot  well,  but  Long  Tom  did  her  busi 
ness,  for  I'll  miss  my  reck'ning  if  the  fore-top-mast  had 
not  gone  over  the  side,  why  then  she  would  have  crip 
pled  us,  or  we  must  have  taken  the  frigate's  fire,  or 
have  run  close  aboard  of  the  sloop  of  war  to  leeward ; 
12 


134  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

so  d'ye  see,  messmate,  we  kind  of  run  the  gauntlet,  and 
a  pretty  hard  chase  we  had  on't,  but  Long  Tom  got  ua 
out  of  the  scrape." 

"I  should  like  to  have  witnessed  it,"  replied  the 
young  seaman,  "and  I  shall  hail  with  pleasure  the 
tune  when  I  leave  this  ward-room  for  active  service^  for 
idleness  hangs  heavy  on  my  mind.  During  such  hours, 
associations  will  intrude  upon  the  •  thoughts  and  induce 
a  kind  of  melancholy,  which  I  find  impossible  to  shake 
off." 

"Well,,  well,"  interrupted  the  boatswain  hastily, 
"  let's  get  on  another  tack,  and  as  we  have  fine  weather 
and  moonlight  nights,  why  then  just  spin  out  some  of 
your  yarn,  for  I  think  when  you  ball  it  all  off,  your 
mind  will  become  easier." 

The  last  dog-watch  being  over,  one  half  of  the  crew, 
according  to  custom,  were  quietly  stowed  away  in  their 
hammocks,  while  tjae  others  were  on  the  main-deck  and 
forecastle,  spinning  out  ghostly  yarns,  and  singing  their 
favorite  piratical  ballads,  to  the  no  small  amusement 
and  gratification  of  the  remainder  of  the  watch.  The 
boatswain  and  the  young  seaman  being  seated  on  the 
booms  near  the  gangway,  the  latter,  according  to  prom 
ise,  resumed  his  narrative  as  follows : 

"  I  sought  every  opportunity  to  be  in  the  society  of 
her  whom  I  now  felt  necessary  to  my  very  existence, 
and  I  had  the  unspeakable  delight  to  see  that  my  visits 
were  not  only  acceptable,  but  they  appeared  to  produce 
a  reciprocal  feeling  of  pleasure  on  her  part.  My 
parents  were  delighted,  for  they  saw  with  evident 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  135 

pleasure  that  my  passion  for  E  -  ;  drew  me  off  from 
those  haunts  of  dissipation,  in  which  I  had  so  often 
disgraced  myself,  and  they  believed  *at  a  ,  tnuor 
Jb  E  _  would  not  only  he  greatly  desirable,  hut 
also  prove  the  means  of  my  reformation. 

«  Among  the  visitors  at  my  father's  house  there  was 
one  whose  entire  exterior  was  that  of  a  man  of  foshion. 
With  a  handsome  person,  he  combined  an  easy  and  ele 
gant  address,  and  yet  he  was  one  of  those  undennable 
characters,  of  which,  although  he  moved  m  high  style 
no  certain  clue  could  be  obtained  in  regard 
definite  means  he   possessed  to  keep  up    these  >   ap 
pearances.     I  had  met  him  frequently,  and  I  blush 
when  I  tell  you  it  was  in  a  gambling  resort  for  in  ad- 
±n  to  my'other  excesses,  I  had  contracted  a  passion 
for  gaming.     At  first  his  manners  pleased  me,  but  upo 
LL  acquaintance  I  perceived  that  although  £ 
sumed  the  air  of  a  novice,  yet  he  was  an  adept     ame 


her  in  the'  society  of  Hastings,  (for  this  ™  ft. 
name  of  the  gamester,)  enjoying  a  tete  a  tete  conversa 
tion.  She  received  me,  I  thought,  mth  a  degree  of  for- 
mality  quite  unusual,  and  our  convert  «s  marked 
with  cold  indifference. 

«  In  a  short  time  I  took  my  leave,  and  as  I  walked 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEK. 


toward  the  door,  I  cast  a  glance  on  the  man  whom  1 
despised,  and  I  saw  in  that  face,  as  he   directed  it 
toward  me,  a  look  of  ineffable  triumph  and  disdain.     I 
rushed  out  of  the  house,  my  head  and  heart  burning 
with  jealousy  and  revenge,  and  plunged  into  deeper 
excesses  of  riot  and  dissipation.     My  wild  extravagances 
could  no  longer  be  concealed,  and  they  became  the  sub 
ject  of  public  notoriety.     At  the  gaming  table  I  met 
with  frequent  losses  ;  I  sought  every  opportunity  to  meet 
my  hated  rival,  that  I  might  wreak  my  revenge  upon 
him.     My  insatiable  thirst  for  play  soon  presented  the 
desired  interview,  and  at  the  gaming  table  we  met;  for 
a  short  time  fortune  favored  me,  and  I  won  to  a  consid 
erable  amount.      Flushed  with  victory,  and  believing 
that  I  should  now  retrieve  my  former  losses,  the  bets 
were  increased  and  doubled.     My  triumph  was  short  ; 
fortune  changed,  and  I  lost  not  only  a  heavy  sum  of 
money,  but  my  temper,  which  gave  the  despised  villain 
with  whom  I  gamed  a  decided  advantage,  for  no  cir 
cumstance  could  disturb  the  imperturbable  coolness  of 
the  gamester.     The  enormous  sums  which  I  lost  became 
fearful,  and  remorse,  like  an  electric  shock,  suddenly 
seized  upon  my  whole  frame,  and  this  remorse  soon 
changed  to  madness  and  revenge,  for  I  was  now  conscious 
that  I  had  been  cheated,  and  was  the  dupe  of  this  mis 
creant  wretch.    I  drew  upon  my  honored  father,  and  with 
a  trembling  hand  gave  the  draft  to  my  detested  rival  ;  he 
recevied  it  with  an  air  of  exultation,  and  then  cast  upon 
me  a  look  of  the  proudest  scorn. 

"  This  was  more  than  I  could  bear.     Seizing  him  by 


THE    AMERICAN     CRUISER.  137 

the  throat,  Villain !  I  cried,  and  with  one  blow  laid  him 
senseless  at  my  feet.  How  I  reached  my  lodgings  I  know 
not,  for  I  had  connected  to  the  black  catalogue  of  my 
baseness,  that  of  being  a  stranger  to  my  father's  house. 
"  The  next  morning  I  fully  expected  to  have  received 
a  message  from  the  gamester,  but  two  days  passed,  and 
I  neither  saw  nor  heard  from  him.  At  the  expiration 
of  the  second  day,  I  received  a  letter  from  my  honored 
parent.  Oh,  my  God !  the  thought  of  that  letter,  even 
at  this  distant  period,  distracts  my  brain.  There  was 
no  harshness,  no  upbraiding,  no  word  that  could  be  con 
strued  into  a  censure  ;  but  this  only  wounded  me  yet 
deeper,  and  my  black  ingratitude  stung  me  to  the 
heart.  The  letter  was  short,  advising  me  that  my  draft 
was  duly  honored,  but  that  he  would  be  unable,  from 
his  peculiar  embarrassments,  to  do  more ;  in  other 
words,  he  was  a  ruined  man,  and  I,  villain  that  I  was, 
had  by  my  prodigalities  helped  to  do  the  foul  deed. 
This  thought  filled  my  soul  with  horror.  My  brain 
turned,  and  my  phrenzied  imagination  conjured  up 
a  thousand  frightful  visions.  At  one  time  I  beheld 
my  father  weltering  in  his  blood,  from  a  wound  in 
flicted  by  my  own  hands.  Again  I  saw  my  dear 
parent  penniless  and  starving  ;  while  I  conceived 

that  I  was  despised  by  E- ,  an  outcast  from  society, 

and  an  alien  from  my  father's  house.  These  and  many 
more,  wrought  me  up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  wild  ex 
citement.  My  ravings  brought  on  a  high  fever,  reason 
forsook  her  throne,  and  when  morning  broke  forth,  it 
found  me  in  a  high  state  of  delirium. 
12* 


138  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

x 

"  How  long  I  remained  in  this  situation  I  did  not  as 
certain,  until  after  my  recovery.  When  consciousness 
returned,  I  found  myself  in  a  bed  enclosed  -with  cur 
tains,  and  in  the  same  room  which  I  had  formerly  occu 
pied  in  my  father's  house.  My  mother  sat  at  the 
bedside,  watching  me  with  affection's  tenderest  soli 
citude  ;  and  when  she  saw  that  reason  had  re 
turned,  her  heart  was  too  much  affected  for  utterance, 
and  she  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears.  My  revered  father 
was  there  also,  and  they  broke  forth  simultaneously 
with,  'My  son,  my  dear  son,  we  will  live  happy 
together ; '  and  then  they  maintained  the  deepest  si 
lence,  making  signs  to  me  to  preserve  the  same  precau 
tion.  I  lingered  for  some  time,  but  by  my  youth  and  a 
sound  constitution,  the  unremitted  and  attentive  nursing 
of  my  mother,  together  with  the  best  medical  skill,  in 
the  course  of  three  weeks  I  became  convalescent,  and 
able  to  walk  out.  During  this  period  not  a  word 
escaped  from  the  lips  of  my  father,  in  relation  to  the 
bad  consequences  my  conduct  had  produced. 

"  I  resolved  from  this  time,  that  I  would  devote 
my  whole  life  and  energies  to  the  support  and  comfort 
of  my  parents,  so  that  by  any  means  I  might  smooth 
their  path  in  life,  and  cause  their  grey  hairs  to  go  down 
in  peace  to  the  grave.  Accordingly  I  went  forthwith 
to  settle  my  father's  business,  and  found  it  even  worse 
than  I  had  anticipated,  for  he  had  sold  all  his  bank 
stock,  and  heavy  mortgages  were  given  upon  all  his 
estate.  When  the  entire  settlement  was  made,  and  all 
arranged,  I  found  there  was  scarcely  any  thing 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  139 

left,  except  the  old  family  mansion.  *  Here  then,'  I 
exclaimed,  'my  follies  and  wild  extravagances  have 
brought  on  this  desolation.'  Although  my  cure,  and 
return  to  the  confidence  and  affection  of  my  parents 
had  been  purchased  at  a  dear  rate  ;  yet  it  was  a  conso 
lation  to  my  mind,  to  behold  them,  notwithstanding 
their  fortune  *was  gone,  yet  apparently  happy." 

Here  the  narrative  was  interrupted,  as  the  order  was 
given  to  take  in  sail,  for  the  ominous  appearance  of  the 
weather  indicated  that  the  next  twenty-four  hours  would 
not  pass  over  quietly. 


CHAPTER   XIII. 

• 

A  GALE  OF  WIND. 

A  GALE  of  wind  is  preferable  at  any  time,  at  sea,  in 
a  strong  vessel  that  is  well  founded,  to  a  long  duration 
of  calms.  Those  who  have  never  experienced  a  calm  at 
sea  cannot  form  an  adequate  idea  of  the  dull  monotony, 
listlessness,  and  sometimes  horror  that  is  felt  on  ship 
board,  especially  if  within  the  tropics  ;  for  in  these 
latitudes  they  are  apt  to  continue  much  longer ;  conse 
quently  they  are  often  the  cause  of  great  distress  and 
want.  There  are  not  a  few  instances  where  vessels 
have  been  becalmed  for  thirty  days  together,  and  this 
too,  under  a  burning  sun,  where  the  heat  is  intolerable 
and  thirst  insupportable.  Often  has  the  author  been 
exposed  to  these  dead  calms  ;  the  sea  is  like  molten 
brass  ;  no  breath  of  air  is  stirring ;  the  atmosphere  is 
dry,  the  mouth  is  parched,  and  the  heavens  hang 
over  all  a  canopy  of  lurid  fire,  in  the  very  centre 
of  which  burns  with  intense  fierceness  the  meridian  sun. 
The  decks,  the  cabin,  and  the  tops,  are  alike  stifling ; 
the  awnings  may  indeed  afford  a  partial  shelter  from  the 
vertical  rays  of  the  sun,  but  no  breeze  can  be  wooed 
down  the  eager  mainsail,  and  wherever  a  stray  beam 

140 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  141 

steals  to  the  deck  through  an  opening  in  the  canvass, 
the  turpentine  oozes  out,  and  boils  in  the  heat,  and  the 
planks  become  as  intolerable  to  the  tread  as  if  a  furnace 
was  beneath  them. 

It  was  one  of  those  days  as  above  described,  except 
that  the  heat  was  not  so  intense,  for  the  latitude  was 
38  degrees  north,  that  the  Cruiser  lay  becalmed ;  many 
of  the  officers  had  made  their  escape  from  the  dense 
heat  of  the  ward-room  and  the  cabin,  and  had  taken 
shelter  under  the  awnings,  to  enjoy,  if  possible,  from  the 
open  air,  a  freer  respiration.  In  vain  did  they  stretch 
their  utmost  gaze  to  catch  sight  of  a  ripple  or  cat's  paw 
dancing  over  the  deep  ;  in  vain  did  they  look  for  some 
cloudy  token  from  the  azure  vault  that  might  indicate 
relief  from  the  dull  monotony  ;  none  was  there.  All 
over  the  wide  expanse  the  slumbering  ocean  presented  a 
surface  like  a  polished  mirror,  except  that  its  glassy 
bosom  was  occasionally  disturbed  by  some  porpoises 
which  swam  lazily,  ever  and  anon  showing  their  dark 
figures  above  the  surface,  while  the  transparent  waters 
gave  additional  beauty  to  the  changing  colors  of  the 
sporting  dolphin.  The  keen-eyed  sea-gull  too,  soared 
along  in  lofty  flight  with  heavy  wings,  while  Mother 
Carey's  chickens,  Avith  twittering  voice  and  elastic  tread 
upon  the  liquid  element,  as  secure  as  though  walking 
on  a  solid  base,  had  gathered  round  the  vessel,  and  pro 
duced  no  little  speculation  and  prophesying  among  the 
crew,  for  it  will  be  understood  that  the  gathering  num 
bers  of  these  birds  is  a  certain  harbinger  of  a  coming 
tempest  with  sailors.  Until  near  the  close  of  the  day, 


142  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

it  was  exceedingly  hot  and  sultry,  but  as  sunset  drew 
on,  some  clouds  arose  in  the  west,  and  a  light  breeze 
springing  up,  diffused  a  delicious  coolness  throughout  the 
vessel,  imparting  new  vigor  to  the  panting  and  almost 
exhausted  men. 

Invigorated  by  the  welcome  air,  a  group  of  officers 
gathered  on  the  weather  quarter  to  behold  the  sun  go 
down ;  and  those  who  have  never  seen  such  a  spectacle  at 
sea  can  have  no  conception  of  the  vastness  of  the  idea 
with  which  it  fills  the  mind.  Slowly  the  broad  disc 
wheeled  down  toward  the  west,  seeming  to  dilate  as  it  ap 
proached  the  horizon,  and  as  its  lower  edge  touched  the 
distant  seaboard,  trailing  a  long  line  of  golden  light 
across  the  undulating  surface  of  the  deep,  the  scene 
was  magnificent.  Pile  on  pile  of  clouds  assuming  every 
fantastic  shape,  and  varying  from  red  to  purple,  and 
from  purple  to  gold,  lay  heaped  around  the  setting  god. 
For  a  few  moments  the  billows  could  be  seen  rising  and 
falling  against  the  broad  disc  of  the  descending  lumi 
nary,  while  with  a  slow  and  scarcely  perceptible  motion, 
he  gradually  slid  beneath  the  horizon.  Insensibly  the 
brilliant  hues  of  the  clouds  died  away,  changing  from 
gorgeous  crimson  through  almost  every  gradation  of 
color,  until  at  length  a  faint  apple-green  invested  the 
whole  western  sky,  slowly  fading  into  a  deep  azure,  as 
it  approached  the  zenith. 

"  That  is  a  magnificent  sight !  "  exclaimed  the  young 
seaman  to  his  messmate,  as  they  stood  gazing  on 
the  scene,  "  and  well  calculated  to  inspire  the  mind 
•with  expansive  views  of  the  power  and  sublimity 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  145 

of  the  Creator."  The  sun  had  now  been  hid  for  some 
minutes,  and  the  apple-green  of  the  sky  was  rapidly 
becoming  darker  and  more  and  more  indistinct,  though 
the  edge  of  a  solitary  dark  cloud,  hanging  a  few  degrees 
above  the  horizon,  was  yet  tipped  with  a  faint  crimson. 
Meantime  the  stars  began  to  appear  in  the  opposite  fir 
mament  one  after  another,  twinkling  into  sight  as  if  by 
magic,  until  the  whole  eastern  heaven  was  gemmed  with 
them.  No  'sight  that  meets  the  eye  so  strongly  imparts 
the  idea  of  immensity,  and  at  the  same  time  impresses 
one  with  the  solitude  and  loneliness  of  his  situation  on 
shipboard,  as  when  looking  around  the  horizon,  and  at 
the  vast  concave  above  ;  and  when  over  all  the  mighty 
space  of  ocean  included  within  its  circuit,  the  eye  rests 
on  not  a  solitary  sail,  a  sensation  of  loneliness  is 
experienced  which  no  pen  can  describe. 

The  breeze  again  died  away,  leaving  the  sails  flap 
ping  to  and  fro  as  the  Cruiser  rocked  on  the  swell.  It 
was  now  a  dead  calm  ;  no  perceptible  agitation  could  be 
discovered  on  the  surface  of  the  deep,  except  the  long 
undulating  swell,  which  never  subsides,  and  which  can 
be  compared  to  nothing  but  the  heavy  breathing  of 
some  gigantic  monster  when  lulled  to  repose.  In  less 
than  half  an  hour  the  ocean  became  sensibly  agitated 
by  the  coming  breeze,  and  the  firmament  which  a  short 
time  before  had  been  spangled  with  myriads  of  twink 
ling  stars  and  planets,  was  now  .shrouded  in  gloom, 
while  a  black  mass  of  opaque  clouds  hove  up  their 
enormous  heads ;  pile  after  pile,  as  if  impelled  by  a 
thousand  furies,  rose,  breaking  into  wild  scuds,  and 
13 


146  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

dashed  away  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning  to  the 
eastern  board.  From  the  suddenness  with  which  the 
black  mass  of  clouds  had  risen,  they  had  not  as  yet 
overspread  the  heavens  with  their  sable  curtains,  and 
here  and  there,  as  if  to  relieve  the  eye'  as  well  as  the 
mind,  a  tiny  azure  spot  appeared,  exhibiting  a  brilliant 
gem  strongly  contrasting  with  the  heavy,  sombre  clouds 
that  rolled  along  their  da*k  masses  ;  intercepting  from 
the  vision,  all  that  could  indicate  to  the  practised  eye 
of  a  seaman,  relief  from  the  approaching  storm.  On 
came  the  driving  black  clouds  that  seemed  surcharged 
with  vapor,  and  as  they  reached  the  zenith,  discharged 
their  contents  in  torrents  of  rain,  which  fell  like  a 
mighty  cataract,  threatening  to  overwhelm  the  Cruiser 
in  the  awful  deluge  ;  while  peal  after  peal  of  roaring 
thunders  shook  the  craft  from  the  kelson  to  the  truck, 
and  incessant  flashes  of  lightning  played  round  the 
masts  and  rigging. 

"  Take  in  sail !  "  shouted  the  skipper.  It  was  high 
time,  for  a  huge  pile  of  dark  waters  was  driving  towards 
the  Cruiser,  impelled  by  a  furious  blast  of  wind ;  but  such 
was  now  the  discipline  of  the  crew,  that  the  work  of  a 
few  minutes  not  only  reduced  the  little  craft  to  bare 
poles,  but  her  fore-topsail  and  top-gallant-yard  were  also 
lashed  snugly  on  deck,  the  fore-yard  lowered  down  and 
secured,  and  her  topmasts  were  housed,  while  she  was 
driven  along  before  the  violent  gale,  at  the  rate  of 
eleven  knots.  The  sea  now  hove  up  in  enormous  piles, 
and  as  the  dark  billows  rose  in  spectral  lights,  they 
wore  an  aspect  so  ghastly,  as  caused  the  stoutest  hearts 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


to  quail.  The  night  was  fearful,  and  the  clouds  seemed 
as  if  bolted  together,  while  the  heavens  were  hung  in 
sackcloth,  except  now  and  then  from  the  vivid  flashes 
of  lightning,  the  whole  canopy  presented  a  livid  sheet 
of  flame,  and  the  terrific  gale  howled  a  death  song,  as 
if  proclaiming  the  funeral  dirge  of  the  frail  bark,  which 
now  appeared  not  larger  than  a  nut-shell,  driving  madly 
before  the  wild  wind's  blast. 

"  I  like  not  the  moanings  of  the  wind,  its  sounds  are 
ominous,"  said  the  skipper  to  the  officers  of  the  watch 
who  had  now  gathered  around  him,  "  And  even,"  he 
continued,  "  should  we  escape  being  struck  by  this 
terrible  lightning,  what  can  wood  and  iron,  managed 
with  the  best  skill,  do  with  this  increasing  gale. 
Steady,  port ! " 

"  Port,"  responded  the  helmsman. 

Just  then  the  little  craft  rose  on  the  top  of  a  tremen 
dous  sea.  Fortunately  she  answered  her  helm  quickly, 
and  took  the  huge  monster  directly  aft,  but  its  fearful, 
craggy  top  broke,  dashing  volumes  of  water  on  the 
Cruiser's  deck.  For  a  moment  she  lay  entirely  still, 
pressed  by  the  immense  body  of  water  on  deck,  but  as 
the  ports  were  all  triced  up,  she  quickly  shook  off  this 
burden. 

"  She  must  be  relieved  from  all  the  weight  that  is  on 
•deck ;  these  guns  must  be  launched  overboard,"  said 
the  Commander. 

"It  is  a  dangerous  service,  sir,  yet  it  must  be  exe 
cuted,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant. 

The  boatswain  and  gunner  were  appointed,  with  the 


148  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

most  experienced  seamen,  to  the  performance  of  this 
duty  ;  and  although  it  was  attended  with  much  hazard 
to  the  life  and  limb  of  those  who  were  engaged  in  it,  as 
well  as  injury  to  the  craft,  yet  the  superior  skill  and 
judgment  of  the  boatswain  and  gunner  managed  to 
launch  overboard  ten  of  the  carronades,  with  all  the 
lumber,  spare  spars,  &c.,  without  accident  or  injury. 
This  last  duty  was  effected  no  sooner  than  was  abso 
lutely  necessary,  for  scudding  now  became  exceedingly 
dangerous,  and  the  Cruiser  was  nearly  unmanageable  ; 
for  although  she  bounded  over  the  waves  like  a  race 
horse,  yet  the  sea  was  so  high,  that  it  would  occasionally 
lift  her  stern  quite  out  of  water,  losing  the  action  of  the 
helm.  In  this  position  she  brought  the  wind  two  or 
three  points  on  either  quarter,  to  the  imminent  danger 
of  broaching  to,  which  would  inevitably  have'  sealed  the 
doom  of  the  crew  and  vessel.  At  midnight  the  heavy 
black  clouds  lifted  up  in  the  western  board,  presenting 
from  the  horizon  a  long  line  of  azure,  the  dark  masses 
rolled  away  to  the  eastward,  the  force  of  the  terrific 
gale  broke,  and  at  daylight  the  Cruiser  was  scudding 
away  to  the  northeast,  with  a  brisk  gale  and  following 
sea. 


CHAPTER  XTV. 

SATURDAY  NIGHT,  ETC. 

SEVERAL  days,  after  the  events  described  in  the  pre 
ceding  chapter,  brought  the  Cruiser  to  the  vicinity  of 
the  Western  Islands.  She  had  been  out  forty  days  on 
the  cruise,  and  as  yet  but  one  solitary  prize  had  been 
taken.  There  was  another  consideration  of  a  more 
serious  character,  viz.  the  water  was  getting  short,  and 
it  became  absolutely  necessary  to  replenish  it.  To  effect 
this,  she  must  touch  at  one  or  other  of  the  islands,  or 
run  the  risk  of  getting  a  supply  from  some  vessel.  The 
latter  method  would  be  exceedingly  doubtful,  and  the 
former  was  hazardous.  It  was  resolved,  however,  to 
touch  at  one  of  the  islands,  if  possible.  Although  there 
had  been  no  want  of  excitement  on  board  of  the 
Cruiser,  yet  it  was  not  of  that  character  which  produced 
exemption  from  dull  monotony,  or  that  inspired  any  ex 
pectation  of  a  very  brilliant  cruise. 

Nor  were  these  feelings  confined  exclusively  to  the 
main-deck  and  forecastle ;  the  quarter-deck  partook 
largely  of  that  listlessness  induced  by  long  inactivity 
from  actual  service,  or  what  might  be  more  properly 
said,  actual  fighting,  or  actual  captures.  It  would  have 
13*  149 


150  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

been  a  curious  spectacle  to  a  landsman,  if  he  had 
dropped  on  board  of  the  Cruiser  at  this  period.  In  the 
ward-room,  (with  but  one  or  two  exceptions,)  they  re 
sorted  to  every  means  which  in  their  judgments  could 
procure  enjoyment,  or  have  a  tendency  to  pass  away 
the  time.  Nevertheless,  time  hung  heavily  on  their 
hands,  for  an  observer  might  have  easily  detected  their 
predominant  characteristics  to  be  impatient  dissatis 
faction  and  discontent,  especially  at  their  meals ;  for 
they  were  now  reduced  to  the  common  fare  of  ship 
board,  the  fresh  stock  and  nick-nacks  being  exhausted. 
There  were,  however,  two  leading  characters  among 
them,  and  their  peculiar  tact  adroitly  managed  to  secure 
the  confidence  of  the  others,  as  well  as  to  keep  down 
the  apparent  outbreakings,  which  were  not  unfrequent 
in  the  ward-room. 

"  In  my  opinion,  gentlemen,"  said  the  lieutenant  of 
marines,  "  if  the  old  adage  be  true,  we  shall  yet  have  a 
profitable  cruise.  It  is  true  that  our  prize-money,  thus 
far,  will  not  make  us  rich  ;  but  then  we  have  tested  the 
good  qualities  of  this  craft,  and  I  believe  the  chances 
are  very  much  in  our  favor  to  make  a  fortune." 

At  the  sound  of  the  last  word,  the  dormant  feelings 
of  the  Down  Easter  were  roused,  and  he  quaintly 
replied,  that  "  A  bird  in  the  hand  is  worth  two  in  the 
bush."  "  I  guess,"  he  continued,  "  it  will  turn  out  the 
same  as  a  voyage  I  once  made  from  Kennebunk  to 
Martinique.'  My  own  venter  consisted  of  potatoes  and 
onions,  and  other  notions ;  just  such  things  suited  the 
market,  for  I  spoke  a  vessel  right  out  from  the  island 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  151 

that  give  me  the  news.     Well,  I  was  running  down  my 
nestings  in  high  spirits,  and  thinks  I  to  myself  I  have 
just  hit  it  this  time,  any  how ;  and  so  I  calculated  to 
make  fifty  per  cent,  on  the  outward  venter,  and  twenty- 
five  per  cent,  on  the  molasses  in  Kennebunk,  so  with 
that  sum  and  what  I  had  before,  I  guessed  I  could  buy 
a  quarter  of  the  Charming  Nancy,  and  thus  become  a 
ship-owner.     Just  as  I  was  calculating  all  about  this 
matter,"  he   continued,  "  one  of  my  men  sung  out, 
*  Sail  ho  ! '     Well,  the  blamed  craft,  for  all  that  I  could 
do  to  keep  out  of  her  way,  came  up  hand  over  hand, 
and  what  should  she  be  but  a  French  privateer,  so  the 
officer  came  on  board  and  cut  as  many  salaams  as  a 
coast  of  Guinea  monkey,  and  after  prating  gibberish 
for  half  an  hour,  the  French  varmint  took  all  my 
potatoes,  onions,  cheese,  and  apples,  and  left  me  as  dry 
as  a  powder  horn.     So  after  he  had  told  me  a  fine 
story  about  the  good  friendship  of  the  two  countries,  he 
commenced  bowing  and  cutting  his  shines  with  his  arms, 
and  grinning  until  he  reached  the  gangway.     After  he 
had  got  into  his  boat,  he  looked  up  into  my  face  actu 
ally  laughing,  and  said, '  Jolie  brig,  jolie  brig,  capitaine, 
bon  viage,  ban  viage  !  ha  tresbien.     Adieu !  mon  capi- 
taine'     So  saying,  away  they  pulled,  and  the  half 
starved  frog-eaters  set  up  a  roar  of  laughter  until  they 
reached  their  craft,  and  when  they  got  on  board,  they 
immediately  made  sail  and  went  off.     And  so  I  got 
paid  for  my  venter  in  bows,  and  scrapes,  and  grins ;  and 
I  say  it  is  not  best  to  count  the  chickens  before  they're 
hatched." 


152  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  sailing-master's  story,  the 
officers  were  convulsed  in  a  roar  of  laughter. 

"  Yes,  yes,"  said  one  of  the  prize-masters,  "  I  recol 
lect,  Frank,  when  you  came  home  from  that  voyage, 
what  a  deep  impression  that  Frenchman  made  upon 
your  mind,  as  well  as  upon  your  venter ;  for  you  net 
only  took  it  very  hard,  but  in  consequence  I  think  yor 
also  took  the  benefit  of  the  act,  made  and  provided,  &c." 

The  Down  Easter  did  not  relish  this  last  communi 
cation,  but  rallying,  he  once  more  brought  his  favorite 
substitute  to  bear  upon  them,  and  tactly  replied  : 

"I  guess  you  wouldn't  have  done  better,  if  you'd 
stood  in  my  shoes." 

A  sailor  is  literally  jack  of  all  trades,  for  his  peculiar 
situation,  in  reference  to  an  ocean  life,  verifies  the  adage, 
that  "  necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention,"  and  the 
berth-deck  at  this  time  presented  an  exhibition  of  the 
assertion  just  made.  There  one  might  have  seen  the 
mechanic  arts  in  practical  operation,  and  although  this 
matter  was  not  reduced  to  as  much  system  as  on  board 
a  merchant  vessel,  yet  tailors,  shoemakers,  and  hatters, 
with  others,  were  all  busily  employed  at  their  several 
avocations.  It  is  true  there  were  many  that  no  con 
sideration  would  induce  to  work,  and  these  might 
easily  have  been  selected  from  the  others,  for  their 
whole  appearance  indicated,  that  idleness  and  vice  were 
the  predominant  traits  of  their  characters.  Gambling, 
therefore,  was  their  ruling  passion,  and  occupied  all 
their  leisure  hours,  and  they  carried  this  ruling  passion 
to  such  an  excess,  that  some  of  them  were  not  only  dis- 


AMERICAN    CRUISER.  153 

possessed  of  their  prize  tickets,  but  they  actually  lost 
every  article  of  their  clothing ;  in  ^consequence  of 
which,  thefts  were  being  committed  and  carried  on  to 
such  an  extent,  that  the  more  orderly  part  of  the  crew 
resolved  to  put  an  end  to  this  abominable  practice,  and 
banish  it  entirely  from  the  Cruiser.  This  good  reso 
lution,  with  the  aid  of  the  officers,  was  carried  into  exe 
cution,  and  in  a  few  days  its  good  effects  were  abun 
dantly  manifested  in  the  berth-deck. 

In  all  the  circumstances  and  instances  of  a  sea  life, 
perhaps  there  are  none  that  tends  so  greatly  to  har 
monize  and  unite  the  good  feelings  of  seamen  as  the 
old  custom  of  drinking  Saturday  night,  as  it  is  termed 
by  seamen.  On  these  occasions  all  their  differences 
and  animosity  are  merged  into  the  all-absorbing  custom ; 
the  hardships  and  perils  of  an  ocean  life  are  forgotten, 
and  the  delightful  recollections  and  associations,  inspired 
by  the  land  of  their  birth  and  their  homes,  are 
called  up  and  discussed ;  but  that  which  mostly  delights 
a  sailor,  is  to  descant  upon  the  beauty  and  merit  of  his 
fair  one,  whether  she  be  a  wife  or  sweetheart,  and  there 
is  no  class  of  men  that  more  truly  love  and  respect 
a  virtuous  female  than  seamen.  Thus  then  the 
highest  state  of  enjoyment  at  sea  is  when  the  flowing 
can  is  pushed  about,  and  the  old  rapturous  toast  of 
"  Sweethearts  and  wives,"  is  being  drunk. 

This  day  being  Saturday,  and  now  drawing  to  a 
close,  preparations  were  made  for  a  regular  set-to 
on  the  berth-deck ;  accordingly  the  hammocks  were 
triced  up,  so  as  to  afford  as  much  room  as  possible. 


154  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.^ 

The  first  dog-watch  being  out,  supper  finished,  and  the 
wreck  cleared  away,  the  customary  Saturday  night's 
allowance  was  served  out  and  brought  forward,  to  the 
no  small  gratification  of  all  hands,  who  expected  at  least 
two  hours  of  unalloyed  enjoyment,  each  mess  having 
sided  off}  to  have  that  enjoyment  in  their  own  peculiar 
way. 

"  Come,  messmates,"  said  an  old  salt,  after  he  had 
poured  out  his  allowance  in  a  tumbler  made  of  bullock'a 
horn,  "  here  she  goes  to  wives  and  sweethearts  !  " 

This  was  echoed  by  all  the  mess,  after  which  the  sen 
timent  was  general  throughout  the  berth-deck ;  a  few, 
however,  bawling  out  in  return, 

"  Here  she  goes,"  said  one,  "  to-  my  box  of 
diamonds  1 " 

"  Here  she  goes,"  cried  another,  "  to  my  tight  little 
cutter  Nancy ! " 

"  Here  she  goes,"  bawled  out  a  third,  with  stentorian 
longs,  "  to  Poll  and  the  babies  !  " 

This  l*t  sentimental  effusion  created  a  general  laugh 
at  the  expense  of  the  old  sailor,  who  received  it  all  in 
good  part,  and  after  hemming  several  times  to  clear  his 
throat,  he  opened  the  "  door  of  this  office  of  deposite," 
this  being  the  appellation  given  to  his  mouth,  and  struck 
up  the  famous  ballad  of  Lord  North  and  the  Revolution. 
Perhaps  it  may  be  unknown  to  the  reader  that  this  bal 
lad  contains  thirty-six  verses.  When  the  vocalist  had 
got  half  way  through,  a  hoarse  voice  cried  out  from 
another  mess,  "  Avast  there,  Tom,  just  take  a  round 
turn  with  that,  and  let's  hear  this  yarn-"  T^m  clapped 


AMERICAN    CRUISER.  155 

a  stopper  on  his  ditty,  and  hauled  alongside  the  other 
mess  to  listen.  A  phrenologist  would  have  immediately 
pronounced  the  narrator  of  the  following  yarn  to  be 
strongly  marked  with  credulity.  The  old  salt  had  spent 
nearly  all  his  life  on  the  ocean ;  he  had  served  many 
years  on  board  of  a  man-of-war,  consequently  he  had 
imbibed  all  those  superstitious  notions  so  common  among 
sailors.  He  knew  no  fear,  except  it  was  by  ghosts  or 
apparitions,  and  of  these  unearthly  figures  and  sights  he 
had  an  abundant  stock  of  yarns  laid  up ;  so  after  shifting 
his  morsel  of  Virginia,  and  disposing  of  a  liberal  quan 
tity  of  the  juice,  he  began  his  ghostly  tale  as  follows  : 

"  I  onc%,shipped  on  board  of  an  English  East  India- 
man,  to  go  on  a  bit  of  a  cruise  to  Canton.  Well,  there 
was  eight  ships  in  the  fleet,  convoyed  by  two  seventy- 
fours,  which  had  about  four  hundred  raw  recruits  on 
board,  going  out  to  fill  up  the  ranks  in  the  army,  and 
after  that  to  make  grub  for  the  long  land-crabs  and 
alligators.  So  after  we  had  been  out  a  week,  we  got 
separated  from  the  fleet  by  a  gale  of  wind.  '  Well,  this 
is  unlucky,  but  what's  the  odds,'  said  the  skipper ;  '  we 
shall  fall  in  together  at  Madeira.'  So  one  night  it  was 
blowing  stiff,  and  a  heavy  lump  of  sea  on,  in  the  middle 
of  the  watch ;  lay  aloft  to  double  reef  the  topsails ; 
just  as  we  got  the  reef  points  tied,  the  officer  of  the 
watch  bawled  out  like  thunder  tq  the  helmsman,  *  hard 
a-port !  lay  down  off  the  yard  for  your  lives, — cherrily 
men.'  I  just  got  on  deck  in  about  a  pig's  whisper,  and 
the  officer  looking  just  as  pale  as  a  ghost  himself,  and 
the  skipper  screaming  as  if  he  was  getting  murdered  in 


156  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER? 

his  state-room ;  why,  my  own  phis  began  to  shake,  es 
pecially  when  the  officer  of  the  deck  said  to  me,  'Do 
you  see  that  craft  right  ahead  ?  '  I  just  took  a  squint 
forward,  and  sure  enough,  there  she  was,  close  under  our 
bows?  standing  right  athwart  the  hawse ;  '  Luff! '  said  the 
officer  to  the  helmsman  ;  our  ship  came  up  to  the  wind, 
but  there  was  the  stranger  in  the  same  position.  '  Keep 
her  away  ! '  bawled  out  the  officer  ;  again  our  craft  fell 
off  four  points,  but  'twas  no  use  ;  there  lay  the  craft 
just  the  same  way,  and  she  did  'nt  seem  to  move  ;  so 
we  kept  backing  and  filling  in  this  way,  sometimes 
hailing  the  stranger,  but  we  could  'nt  get  out  of  her  way, 
nor  get  a  word  out  of  her ;  and  what  made  all  hands 
think  there  was  foul  play,  our  skipper  was  all  this  time 
just  for  all  the  world  like  a  crazy  man,  screaming  and 
kicking  up  such  a  noise,  just  as  if  some  one  was  going 
to  cut  his  throat.  Well,  you  may  be  sure  we  did  'nt 
much  like  it,  for  some  how  or  other,  we  could  'nt  get  it 
out  of  our  noddles  that  no  good  would  come  out  of  this ; 
so  there  was  six  of  us  just  agreed  on  the  spot  to  tip  the 
double,  and  give  leg  bail  for  security  after  we  got  into 
Madeira,  but  just  as  we  were  making  up  this,  the  day 
broke,  and  in  less  tune  than  you  can  say  Jack  Robinson, 
the  stranger  was  out  of  sight,  and  although  all  hands 
wore  looking  at  her,  yet  none  of  us  could  tell  whether 
she  sunk  or  went  up  in  the  air,  and  just  as  soon  as  the 
ship  was  out  of  sight,  our  skipper  stopped  his  pipes,  and 
all  was  quiet  again.  Well,  the  next  day,  in  the  fore 
noon  watch,  our  skipper  and  all  the  officers  were  on  the 
quarter-deck  ;  so,  d'ye  see,  it  was  my  trick  at  the  helm. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEB.  157 

and  I  heard  the  officers  chatting  in  low  voices  about  the 
stranger  ship,  and  the  noises  in  the  state-room ;  but  the 
skipper  did'nt  say  a  word.  He  did'nt  seem  to  be  very 
easy  in  his  mind,  and  looked  for  all  the  world  as  if  he 
was  frightened  by  a  spirit.  Well,  we  had  good  weather 
and  a  short  run  over  to  Madeira,  and  all  the  fleet  got 
in  the  same  day,  but  we  could  not  get  any  chance  to 
slip  off,  and  in  two  days  the  whole  fleet  went  to  sea 
again.  Well,  we  had  a  good  chance  across  the  trade 
winds,  and  so  we  clapped  our  heads  together  to  find  out 
something  about  that  strange  ship  and  the  skipper.  It 
was  not  long  before  we  found  out  the  secret,  for  the 
Captain's  steward  was  a  pretty  knowing  chap,  and  some 
how  or  other,  he  got  the  whole  story,  and  when  I  heard 
it,  thinks  I  to  myself,  this  ship  is  too  small  to  carry  me 
back  to  England." 

"  Here  Tom,"  cried  out  a  half  dozen  voices,  "  wet 
your  whistle,  and  give  us  the  balance  of  that  yarn." 
Tom,  not  at  all  displeased,  tossed  off  a  glass  of  grog  with 
a  relish  peculiar  to  sailors,  and  after  replacing  his  mor 
sel  of  Virginia,  he  continued  his  yarn  as  follows  : 

"  Well  then,  the  last  voyage  our  skipper  made,  was 
to  the  East  Indies,  and  as  the  saying  goes,  he  was  a 
hard  horse,  and  made  every  man  toe  the  mark.  Well, 
the  first  officer  was  a  chap  that  could  do  his  duty,  but 
he  did'nt  like  this  knocking  down  and  dragging  out, 
and  kicking  up  shindies  with  the  men  ;  so  he  made  bold 
one  day  to  tell  the  skipper  on't.  Now  the  skipper 
did  'nt  relish  it  much,  so  after  this  they  had  many  high 
words  and  quarrels,  until  one  morning  watch,  the  mate 
14 


158  THE    AMERICAN    CEUISEE. 

was  found  dead  in  his  berth,  and  the  news  went  fore 
and  aft  that  he  died  hi  a  fit.  Some  of  our  chaps 
hoisted  it  all  in,  but  the  others  could  not  swallow  it,  for 
they  said  he  was  a  hearty  fellow,  and  not  given  to  such 
kind  of  mishaps.  Well,  a  rumor  soon  got  out  that  he  was 
poisoned,  as  our  skipper  looked  very  queer  and  melan 
choly,  and  used  to  jump  out  of  his  berth,  screaming 
for  help ;  knotting  these  altogether,  they  made  up 
their  minds  that  the  skipper  gave  him  a  dose  that 
sent  him  to  "  kingdom  come,"  and  they  did  'nt  have  any 
doubt  about  it,  for  the  ship  never  had  any  luck  after 
wards  ;  what  with  carrying  away  topmasts,  losing  men 
overboard,  splitting  sails,  until  at  last  she  foundered  in 
the  Bay  of  Bengal." 

Up  to  this  period  they  listened  in  breathless  silence, 
but  now  one  of  them  inquired  about  the  strange  ship. 

"Aye,  aye,"  said  Tom,  "I'd  like  to  forgot  that. 
Well,  the  steward  said  that  night  he  heard  the  skipper 
say  in  his  ravings, '  I'll  never  look  on  that  ship  ;  she  is 
always  in  my  way,  always  athwart  my  hawse.'  "  Here 
the  narrator  paused,  but  the  astonished  listeners,  eager 
to  know  the  fate  of  the  ship  that  Tom  was  in,  pressed 
him  to  go  on. 

"  Well  then,"  said  Tom,  "  to  make  a  long  story 
short,  we  got  into  the  China  Sea,  and  for  a  few  days 
we  had  'nt  as  much  wind  as  would  fill  an  old  woman's 
night  cap,  but  one  night  it  came  on,  and  took  us  nap 
ping  ;  it  was  what  they^  call  a  taffoon,  and  before  we 
could  get  the  sail  in,  the  topsails  blew  away.  The  wild 
hurricane  increased,  and  at  midnight  that  awful  ship 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  159 

was  again  athwart  our  hawse,  upright  as  a  dish,  our 
skipper  roared,  and  down  went  our  ship  nearly  on 
her  beam  ends ;  all  three  sticks  were  cut  away,  and 
she  righted  up.  At  day  break  the  gale  moderated, 
and  our  solemn  visitor  vanished  away ;  two  of  the  ships 
towed  us  into  Canton,  and  you  may  be  sure,  messmates, 
I  made  a  slip-bend  there." 

When  Tom  concluded  his  ghostly  yarn,  they  called 
on  Jimmy  Ducks  for  a  song,  so  the  little  musician  com 
plied  with  the  request  by  singing,  "  Dear  Tom,  this  ere 
grog,"  &c.  Just  as  he  concluded  his  ditty,  the  hoarse 
voice  of  the  boatswain's  mate,  bawled  out,  "  Larbowlines 
ahoy !  "  and  the  Saturday  night's  glee  was  at  once 
ended. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

SWEDISH  BRIG,  CAPTURE  OF  A  BRITISH  SCHOONER  AND  BRIO 

GREAT  anxiety  now  prevailed  on  board  of  the  Cruiser 
in  reference  to  the  low  state  of  the  water,  for  even 
should  she  succeed  to  enter  the  harhor  of  either  of  the 
Islands  without  molestation,  she  must  then  run  the  haz 
ard  of  being  blockaded,  and  probably  ruin  the  cruise. 
After  much  consultation,  she  was  kept  away  for  the 
Island  of  Terceira,  one  of  the  Azores ;  this  Island  not 
being  of  so  much  importance,  either  as  to  size  or  com 
merce,  as  the  Island  of  Fayal,  it  was  not  very 
likely  that  she  would  fall  in  with  the  enemy. 

The  Island  appeared  at  10,  A.  M.,  and  at  the  sanje 
time  a  brig  was  seen  standing  to  the  westward.  All  sail 
was  made  in  chase,  and  as  the  stranger  did  not  appear 
to  be  in  a  hurry,  in  a  short  time  the  Cruiser  came  up 
with  her,  and  she  proved  to  be  a  Swedish  vessel  from 
England  via  Fayal,  bound  to  St.  Thomas.  Information 
was  received  from  the  captain  that  two  British  frigates 
were  on  this  station,  and  that  they  were  now  at  anchor 
in  the  harbor  of  Fayal,  but,  no  doubt,  they  would  be  out 
shortly.  Here,  then,  was  another  obstacle  in  the  way 
to  entering  the  port  of  Terceira.  Now  as  she  was  a 
160 


THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER.  161 

neutral  vessel,  and  a  neutral  port  was  under  her  lee, 
where  she  might  obtain  water  without  any  risk,  and  as 
necessity  very  often  knows  no  law,  it  was  deter 
mined  to  give  the  Swedish  captain  a  reasonable  compen 
sation  for  his  detention  and  water,  and  if  he  refused,  to 
take  it  by  force.  Fortunately  he  was  very  friendly, 
and  cheerfully  complied  with  the  request  by  delivering 
fourteen  puncheons  of  water,  for  which  he  was  liberally 
paid  in  a  draft  on  the  United  States.  This  was  a  most 
happy  relief  to  the  Cruiser,  for  although  the  quantity 
was  comparatively  small,  yet  even  this  was  sufficient 
to  extend  the  cruise. 

Shortly  after  parting  company  with  the  brig,  another 
sail  was  descried,  standing  to  the  eastward.  All  was 
now  excitement,  in  view  of  the  information  just  received 
of  the  two  British  frigates.  However,  the  stranger  in 
question  appeared  to  be  too  small  for  a  man-of-war,  and 
after  a  chase  of  two  hours  she  was.  overhauled,  and 
proved  to  be  a  British  schooner  in  ballast,  from  Ter- 
ceira,  bound  to  England.  This  vessel  was  not  actually 
•worth  manning,  and  as  self-preservation  is  the  first  law 
of  nature,  so  in  this  case  it  was  resolved  to  take  out  the 
provisions  and  water,  with  the  prisoners,  and  then  scut 
tle  the  schooner,  so  as  to  prevent  information  being 
given  to  the  enemy  of  the  proximity  of  the  Cruiser. 

This  was  indeed  a  hard  case,  as  the  captain  was  part 
owner  of  the  schooner,  and  in  losing  her  he  lost  his  all. 
He  plead  manfully  for  a  release,  and  under  other  cir 
cumstances  this  request  would  have  been  granted ;  but 
the  critical  position  of  the  Crusier,  at  this  time,  made 
14* 


162  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

it  highly  necessary  to  take  every  precaution  for  her 
safety  and  success.  The  Commander  was  inexorable, 
so  the  fate  of  the  schooner  was  sealed,  and  after  taking 
all  her  moveable  spars,  sails  and  rigging,  she  was  scuttled 
and  sunk. 

Important  information  was  received  from  the  captain, 
viz.  that  the  combined  fleet  of  merchantmen,  for  Lisbon 
and  the  Mediterranean,  were  at  rendezvous  in  Cork, 
waiting  convoy,  and  probably  would  be  ready  to  sail 
about  this  time.  This  was  cheering  news  to  all  hands, 
and  the  Cruiser  was  now  under  a  cloud  of  sail,  steering 
away  for  the  Capes  of  Lisbon,  as  they  fully  expected  to 
fall  in  with  the  fleet,  and  in  that  event,  capture  as  many 
as  could  be  manned,  and  thus  terminate  the  cruise. 

The  young  seaman  had  now  entirely  recovered  from 
his  wounds,  and  was  on  duty.  No  argument  or  solicita 
tion  could  induce  him  to  accept  promotion,  for  he 
greatly  preferred  the  society  of  his  friend,  the  boat 
swain  ;  and  although  it  might  be  considered  a  lack  of 
ambition,  yet  the  course  he  pursued  commanded  respect 
fore  and  aft,  for  he  was  kind  and  obliging  to  those  who 
occupied  the  same  station  with  himself;  always  the 
first  at  duty,  yet  he  never  mingled  so  far  with  the 
sailors  as  to  enter  into  their  follies  and  dissipations.  To 
the  officers  he  was  obedient  without  servility ;  although 
his  education  was  superior  to  any  of  the  quarter-deck 
officers,  yet  in  the  boatswain  he  had  found  a  true  and 
honest  he-art,  one  that  was  above  guile,  whose  attach 
ment  and  friendship  were  unwavering,  and  although  his 
intelligence  was  far  below  that  of  the  young  seaman, 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  163 

yet  his  intrinsic  "worth  made  his  society  to  the  young 
seaman  a  source  of  greater  happiness  than  that  of  any 
officer  on  board. 

"  I  felt  bad  enough  for  the  skipper  of  that  schooner 
the  other  day,"  observed  the  boatswain ;  "  why  when 
the  little  craft  went  down,  he  looked  for  all  the  world 
as  if  he  was  putting  his  wife  or  child  under  hatches,  and 
I'll  tell  you  what,  messmate,  I  don't  mind  a  bit  of  a 
dust  with  Frenchmen,  or  Spaniards,  or  any  of  them  out 
landish  chaps,  but  when  it  comes  to  fighting,  sinking, 
and  burning  with  them  that  talks  the  same  lingo,  why 
d'ye  see,  lad,  I  don't  much  like  it ;  howsomever,  we've 
had  cause  enough  for  this  war." 

"  That  is  very  true"  replied  the  young  seaman,  "but 
this  affair  of  sinking  the  schooner  is  one  of  the  evils 
connected  with  war.  It  often  happens  that  not  only  in 
war,  but  also  in  the  operations  of  society,  the  innocent 
suffer  for  the  guilty ;  yet  the  sinking  of  that  schooner 
was  a  matter  of  necessity  for  self-preservation;  never 
theless,  I  would  gladly  give  up  one  half  of  my  prize- 
money,  if  it  would  compensate  the  captain  for  the  loss 
of  his  property ;  and  if  I  am  not  deceived,"  he  con 
tinued,  "our  Commander  and  first  lieutenant  would 
have  given  the  schooner  up,  had  it  not  been  for  the  in 
formation  received  from  the  Swedish  brig ;  and  now  I 
sincerely  hope  we  may  speedily  fall  in  with  the  British 
fleet  of  merchantmen  and  finish  this  cruise,  for  I  assure 
you  I  am  heartily  tired  of  this  mode  of  warfare." 

"And  no  wonder,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "for 
you've  had  pretty  rough  usage,  lad,  and  hark'ee,  if 


164  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

you  don't  hold  back  a  little  in  another  such  a  brush  as 
we  had  with  that. brig,  why  then  you'll  lose  the  num 
ber  of  your  mess,  that's  all, 'for  I  don't  want  to  sew 
your  hammock  up,  and  launch  you  overboard  this 
cruise.  No,  no!  don't  go  ahead  of  your  messmates; 
let's  fight  side  by  side,  and  the  blow  that  is  aimed  at 
your  breast  shall  pass  through  this  carcass  of  mine  first, 
for  we  've  been  true  messmates  together,  and  we  '11  be 
so  when  we  slip  our  moorings." 

The    young    seaman    grasped    the    hand    of    the 
boatswain,  passionately  exclaiming,  "  You  are  my  supe 
rior  every  way ;  twice  have  you  interposed  your  arm 
and  saved  my  life ;  you  have  nursed  me,  bound  up  my 
wounds,   soothed    my   sorrows,   sympathized  with   my 
weakness,  and  now  to  fill  the  list  of  obligations,  I  have 
the  assurance  of  your  honest  heart  that  you  wtil  sacri 
fice   your  life   for  one   so    undeserving    as   myself." 
The  conversation  was  now  interrupted  by  the  cry  of 
"  Sail  ho  !  "  which  had  just  been  discovered  from  the 
top-gallant  yard.     The  stranger  was  at  a  great  distance 
off,  and  as  it  was  late  in  the  afternoon,  there  was  not 
the  smallest  probability  either  of  overhauling  her,  or  of 
ascertaining  her  character  befor.e  dark";  the  object,  how 
ever,   was   to   get  sufficiently  near  to    keep  her  in 
sight  with  the  eye-glass.     Every  yard  of  canvass  was 
spread  in  chase,  and  every  necessary  precaution  was 
made  for  action,  but.  when  night  set  in,  it  was  just  dis 
coverable  from  the  top-gallant  yard,  that  the  stranger 
was  steering  to  the  southward.     After  some  consulta 
tion,  it  was  concluded  that-  the  chances  were  so  small  of 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

the  sail  being  in  sight  the  next  morning,  that  it  was 
scarcely  worth  while  to  run  so  great  a  distance  (as  they 
must  necessarily  Tiave  done  if  they  continued  the  chase) 
from  their  intended  cruising  ground.  This  opinion  was 
overruled  by  the  Commander,  and  it  was  settled  to  keep 
on  until  midnight ;  then,  if  the  stranger  was  not  in  sight 
with  the  night  glass,  to  haul  up  by  the  wind.  Nothing 
was  seen  of  the  chase,  but  at  daylight  either  her  or 
another  sail  was  seen  about  two  miles  off.  Not  more  than 
one  hour  transpired  before  Long  Tom  was  in  speaking 
distance,  and  his  conversation  was  so  effectual,  and  so 
much  to  the  purpose  that  she  hove  to,  and  displayed 
a  large  British  ensign,  without  showing  any  disposition 
for  defence  ;  she  was  boarded  by  two  boats  from  the 
Cruiser,  and  proved  to  be  a  British  brig  from  Dublin, 
bound  up  the  Mediterranean  with  a  rich  and  most  valu 
able  cargo.  It  was  not  surprising  that  she  made  no  re 
sistance,  because  she  was  not  armed,  as  she  intended  to 
sail  with  the  fleet  under  convoy,  but  as  they  had  ex 
tended  the  time  of  sailing  to  a  much  greater  length  than 
was  at  first  contemplated,  the  captain  chose  to  run  the 
hazard  without  convoy,  but  he  paid  dear  for  his 
temerity.  Since  leaving  the  United  States,  no  fa 
vorable  opportunity  had  occurred  for  the  majority  of  the 
crew  to  give  proof  of  their  disposition  to  plunder. 
The  action  with  the  first  brig  was  so  obstinately 
contested,  and  there  was  so  many  killed  and 
wounded,  that  their  attention  was  drawn  off,  and  prob 
ably  gave  place  to  a  refinement  unusual  to  them.  In 
regard  to  the  schooner,  there  was  little  upon  which  they 


166  THE  AMERICAN 

could  lay  their  hands,  and  their  condition  excited  so 
much  commiseration,  that  no  attempt  was  made  to  ex 
ecute  their  miserable  propensity.  But.  in  the  present 
instance,  it  required  all  the  firmness  and  courage  of  the 
officers,  as  well  as  the  better  disposed  part  of  the  crew, 
to  prevent  a  scene  of  robbery  and  plunder,  which  would 
have  been  disgraceful  to  the  American  flag,  especially 
in  the  present  case,  where  no  resistance  was  made. 
The  highest  credit  was  due  to  the  Commander  and 
officers  for  the  decided  stand  they  took  to  put  an  effec 
tual  stop  to  these  lawless  outbreaks. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE  SCIUALL,   THE  YOUNG  SEAMAN'S  NARRATIVE  CONTINTTED 

A  FEW  days  after  the  capture  of  the  brig,  the 
Cruiser  was  off  the  Capes  of  Lisbon,  in  the  direct 
track  of  the  outward-bound  British  fleet  of  merchant 
men,  and  it  was  the  sanguine  expectation  of  both 
officers  and  crew,  that  if  they  should  have  the  good 
fortune  to  fall  in  with  this  fleet,  they  would  speedily 
finish  the  cruise.  November  had  set  in,  with  all  that 
cheerless  gloom,  which  is  so  frequent  on  the  British 
coast,  and  which  extends  more  or  less  along  the 
southern  coast  of  Europe  to  the  south  point  of  the 
Mediterranean ;  dense  fogs,  frequent  rains,  and  dark, 
cloudy  weather,  a  greater  part  of  the  tune,  made  it  im 
possible  to  see  any  distance  off,  and  when  blue  sky  ap 
peared,  it  was  a  source  of  rejoicing  to  all  hands.  Ten 
days  passed  away,  and  nothing  transpired  to  break  the 
dull  monotony  which  had  gathered  on  the  crew,  and 
made  them  long  for  excitement  to  change  the  scene. 

It  was  after  a  day  of  gloom,  occasioned  by  a  heavy 
fog  and  rain,  that  just  at  sunset  the  wind  shifted,  the 
fog  dispersed,  the  rain  ceased  to  fall,  and  after  night 
the  heavens  were  dressed  with  numerous  glittering 

167 


168  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEft. 

stars.     The  change  of  weather  produced  a  consequent 
change  of  feeling,  which,  burst  forth  in  songs  and  mer 
riment,    while   Jimmy's    musical    powers   were   again 
brought   into   requisition,  and   the   merry  dance   con 
tinued  until  two  bells,  when  the  watch  was   ordered 
below.     But  they  were  not  long  destined  to  enjoy  their 
silent   repose :    just    as    six    bells   struck,   the    shrill 
whistle  and  hoarse  voice  of  the  boatswain  summoned  all 
hands,  "Take  in  sail,  ahoy  !  "     The  watch  came  tum 
bling  up,  and  there  was  yet  a  few  twinkling  stars  to  be 
seen  in  the  zenith,  although  there  was  a  heavy  bank  of 
mist  close  aboard  on  the  weather  bow,  driving  rapidly 
for  the    Cruiser,  and   covering   sea   and  sky  in  that 
quarter  with  a  shadowy  veil.     The  men  were  already  at 
their  stations,  and  as  they  came  up  from  below,  each 
man  sprung  to  aid  his  messmate,  so  that  in  less  time 
than  I  have  taken  to  describe  it,  the  light  sails  were  all 
taken  in,  and  she  was  kept  away  a  few  points,  so  as  to 
be  ready  to  let  every  sail  go  by  the  run,  if  necessary, 
should  the  squall  strike  her  ;  nor  did  she  wait  long  for 
the  unwelcome  visitor,  for  scarcely  had  the  Cruiser  been 
made  snug,  before  the  squall  burst  on  her,  in  a  whirl 
wind  of  rain  and  wind,  against  the  fury  of  which  it  was 
impossible  to  stand  for  a  moment.  As  the  squall  struck, 
she  keeled  over,  until  the  decks  were  fearfully  inclined, 
while  the  tall  masts  bent  like  rushes  in  the  tempest,  the 
spars  strained  and  cracked  as  if  they  were  unequal  to 
the  torture.     For  a  few  moments  the  officers  and  crew 
stood  aghast,  and  thought  it  was  now  all  over,  and  some 
clutched  ropes,  so  as  to  be  prepared  to  lash  themselves 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  169 

to  her  sides,  should  she  capsize  ;  but  after  a  second  of 
breathless  uncertainty,  she  slightly  recovered  herself 
and  dashed  forward  as  if  she  had  been  an  arrow  shot 
from  the  bow ;  her  whole  forward  part  buried  in  the 
foam  that  -boiled  around  her  bows,  and  flew  high  up  the 
mast  in  showers.  All  this  time  the  wind  was  shrieking 
through  the  hamper  with  an  intonation  like  that  of  a 
tortured  fiend,  so  that  it  became  next  to  impossible  to 
get  the  foresail  and  mainsail  reefed.  At  length,  how 
ever,  she  was  stripped  to  the  fight,  when  she  rose  until 
nearly  level,  bearing  gallantly  up  against  the  gale. 

"  Wheugh  !  what  a  flurry  !  Old  Davy  himself  has 
laid  hold  of  the  bellows  to-night,"  said  the  captain  of 
the  starboard  watch,  stooping  before  the  gale,  and 
turning  his  back  to  windward.  "  Why  it  blows  as  if  it 
would  whiff  our  little  craft  away  before  it.  By  the 
gods !  but  that  bucket-full  of  rani  that  has  just  fell  on 
my  shoulders,  was  enough  to  have  pinned  any  man  to 
the  decks." 

"  How  long  was  the  squall  coming  up  ?  "  said  the 
Commander,  as  soon  as  the  roar  of  the  elements  suffered 
him  to  speak,  for  it  was  only  in  the  occasional  pauses 
of  the  gale  that  he  could  be  heard. 

"  It  came  up  like  a  pet  in  a  woman,"  said  an  old 
prize-master,  who  was  in  the  watch  on  deck,  "one 
moment  her  face  is  all  smiles,  the  next  black  as  a 
thunder-cloud.  When  five  bells  struck,  the  sky  was  as 
clear  as  a  kitten's  eye,  and  now  you  can't  see  a  fathom 
over  the  starboard  bow ;  while  we  are  driving  along 
here  like  a  chip  in  a  mill  race,  or  a  land  bird  caught  by 
15 


170  THE    AMEBICAN    CRUISER. 

a  northeaster.  "Whistle,  whistle,  howl,  howl ;  why  it 
blows  as  if  Satan  himself  was  working  the  bellows  up 
to  windward." 

Heavy  peals  of  thunder  were  succeeded  by  sharp 
flashes  of  lightning,  and  for  a  moment  the  gale  lulled, 
but  to  increase  in  violence,  shifting  four  points  to  the 
eastward,  and  spent  its  fury  for  an  hour,  during  which 
time  the  Cruiser  flew  over  the  billows,  with  the  rapidity 
of  a  northeast  scud ;  after  which,  the  clouds  lifted  to 
the  eastward,  the  rain  ceased,  and  the  remainder  of  the 
night  the  weather  was  moderate  and  clear. 

The  following  morning  exhibited  a  very  different 
scene  from  the  preceding  night,  for  it  could  scarcely  be 
realized,  when  viewing  the  present  bright  and  bland 
aspect  of  nature,  together  with  the  smooth  sea  which  had 
been  levelled  by  the  deluge  of  rain  that  had  fallen  in  tor 
rents  during  the  squall,  that  a  few  short  hours  only  had 
passed  away  since  the  elements  presented  a  scene  so 
terrific  as  made  the  stoutest  hearts  quail  with  horror. 

"  That  was  a  bit  of  a  whiffle  we  had  last  night," 
said  the  boatswain  to  the  young  seaman,  "  it  put  me  in 
mind  of  '  Jack  Northwester '  on  the  coast  of  Yankee- 
land.  Howsomever,  she 's  a  noble  craft,  and  bears  her 
canvass  like  a  frigate.  Well,  well,  I  like  a  bit  of  a 
flurry  sometimes,  just  by  way  of  keeping  my  hand  in ; 
and  hark  'ee,  messmate,  I  've  cruised  over  this  ground 
before,  and  had  hard  knocks  and  tough  sarvice,  and 
I'll  miss  my  reck'ning  if  we  don't  have  some  fun 
before  we  leave  it.  How  is  it  ?  you  look  for  all  the 
world  as  if  it  was  banyan  day,  or  as  if  yon  was  going 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  171 

to  be  flogged  through  a  fleet.  Not  mueh  like  the  chap 
you  was  last  night  in  the  bunt  of  the  fore-topsail,  -when 
old  Davy  blowed  his  blast ;  or  like  the  lad  that  passed 
the  plait  on  the  clew  of  the  foresail,  now  and  then  taking 
a  bit  of  a  swim  in  the  lee-scuppers,  when  this  craft  was 
diving  and  coming  up,  and  shaking  herself  like  a  swan 
in  a  snow-storm." 

"  Any  duty  that  is  hazardous,"  replied  the  young 
seaman,  "  suits  my  present  feelings,  for  I  assure  you  I 
am  quite  weary  of  the  dullness  which  steals  over 
me,  in  spite  of  all  my  exertions  to  shake  it  off,  for 
I  had  rather  engage  an  enemy  of  double  force,  than 
fritter  away  my  hours  in  idleness  or  inglorious  ease. 
Yes,  my  friend,"  continued  he,  "  if  this  craft  were  in 
the  regular  service,  I  should  prefer  an  honorable  death, 
in  endeavoring  to  maintain  my  country's  honor,  than  to 
be  possessed  of  all  the  prize-money  that  is  made  by  us 
during  this  cruise." 

"  I  believe  you,"  said  the  boatswain,  "  for  I  never 
saw  a  chap  in  my  life  that  liked  to  fight  an  Englishman 
better  than  yourself.  But  come,  messmate,  before  we 
have  another  dust  with  '  John  Bull,'  just  spin  out  some 
more  of  your  yarn." 

The  young  seaman  complied  with  the  request,  and 
proceeded,  as  follows : 

"  I  applied  myself  diligently  to  business,  and  ob 
tained  a  competency  for  our  support.  All  my  leisure 
hours  were  spent  in  my  parents'  society, "  and  by  the 
most  assiduous  attention  to  their  comfort,  their  time 
passed  away  cheerfully  and  happily.  Two  months  rolled 


172  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

on,  and  such  was  the  entire  change  hi  my  character 
and  habits,  as  well  as  the  most  untiring  devotion  to  my 
honored  parents,  that  the  confidence  and  respect  which 
I  had  forfeited  by  wild,  dissolute  habits,  gradually 
became  restored,  and  once  more  the  feelings  that 
led  me  to  believe  that  I  was  an  outcast  in  society, 
gave  way  to  self-respect,  induced  by  the  reflection,  that 
I  was  endeavoring  to  discharge  my  duty  to  those  whom 
I  had  so  deeply  injured. 

"  During  the  whole  of  this  period  I  neither  saw  nor 
heard  from  the  detested  gamester.  I  learned,  however, 
that  immediately  after  the  fatal  night  that  swept  away 
the  balance  of  my  father's  fortune  by  the  villany  of 

that  infamous  wretch,  he  went  off  to  B ,  where  he 

passed  for  a   gentleman  of  fortune.     My  passion  for 

E ,  though  less  ardent,  was  perhaps  more  refined ; 

but  I  dared  not  hope  that  she  yet  retained  the 
smallest  attachment  for  one  who  had  rendered  himself 
unworthy  of  her  confidence  and  esteem.  I  resolved, 
however,  to  obtain  an  interview,  if  possible,  and 
learn  my  fate  from  her  own  lips,  whether  for  weal 
or  woe.  After  a  lapse  of  some  days,  the  desired 
interview  was  obtained.  It  was  a  meeting,  however, 
hi  all  respects  like  unto  that  of  friends  who  had 
been  separated  for  a  season,  and  not  at  all  with  the 
ardor  and  warm  aspirations  of  lovers.  The  interview, 
however,  was  agreeable,  and  afforded  me  great  pleasure ; 
and  although  there  was  an  air  of  reserve  on  her  part, 
yet  when  my  eye  met  hers,  that  organ  spoke  volumes 
to  my  heart,  for  I  was  not  deceived  —  it  actually 


AMERICAN    CRUISER.  173 

beamed  with  delight.  Time  flew  swiftly  on,  and  to  my 
great  astonishment  I  had  already  been  two  hours  in  the 
company  of  E— — ,  but  as  yet  had  not  ascertained  any 
thing  in  reference  to  my  future  prospects,  neither  had  I 
the  courage  to  make  known  to  her  the  object  of  my 
visit ;  for  I  was  not  now  the -heir  to  a  fortune,  neither 
was  my  reputation  as  spotless  as  I  could  desire,  because 
my  former  habits  had  thrown  around  it  a  shade  which 
had  not  been  entirely  dispelled,  and  time  Avas  necessary 
to  redeem  a  character  sullied  by  wild  and  dissipated 
conduct.  I  neither  had  the  courage  to  solicit  another 
interview,  nor  did  I  obtain  a  knowledge  from  her 
personally  of  my  fate  ;  nevertheless,  her  manner  con 
vinced  me,  that  I  was  not  the  object  of  her  hatred 
and  scorn. 

"  This  meeting,  although  not  marked  with  that  de 
gree  of  warmth  and  ardor  congenial  to  youthful  hearts, 
yet  appeared  to  me  highly  consistent  in  my  present 
'situation ;  for  past  experience  had  taught  me  to  curb 
my  naturally  sanguine  temperament.  Hitherto  I  had 
been  the  victim  of  sudden  impulses ;  consequently 
the  result  of  my  conduct  threw  me  into  difficulties  of  an 
unpleasant  nature.  I  resolved,  therefore,  that  my 
future  course  should  atone  for  the  many  errors  of 
which  I  had  been  guilty,  and  I  did  not  despair 
of  regaining  the  affections  of  her  on  whom  I  now  felt 
depended  my  future  happiness." 

The    hour   of   supper  having    arrived,   the    young 
seaman  closed  his  narrative  for  the  present,  with  the 
promise  of  continuing  it  at  some  future  time. 
15* 


CHAPTER  XVn. 

CAPTURE  OP  A  BRITISH  LETTER  OP  MARQUE. 

THE  watch  had  been  roused  from  their  lazy  retreat, 
after  a  hard  sleep  of  two  hours,  on  the  soft  side  of  a 
plank.  The  customary  duties  of  the  morning  watch 
were  being  commenced,  and  the  look-out  was  sent  aloft. 
After  the  seaman  had  reached  his  post  in  the  cross- 
trees,  he  quietly  seated  himself,  supporting  his  back 
against  the  head  of  the  mast ;  then  his  strengthened 
eye  swept  around  a  clear,  unbroken  horizon,  until 
it  stopped  in  the  direction  of  one  point  abaft  the 
beam,  and  after  a  long  and  attentive  gaze  he  sung 
out  at  the  top  of  his  hoarse  voice,  "  Sail  ho ! " 
For  a  few  minutes  all  was  excitement,  but  as  it  was  now 
a  dead  calm,  and  very  little  appearance  of  wind,  the 
chance  was  small  to  get  within  speaking  distance 
shortly. 

The  duties  of  the  morning  watch,  and  breakfast  being 
finished,  the  Cruiser  was  got  into  complete  readiness  for 
action.  The  great  probability  was,  that  the  strange 
sail  was  a  man-of-war,  as  it  was  not  a  position  for  mer 
chant  vessels  to  be  in  without  convoy.  It  was  a  matter 
of  little  import  to  the  officers  or  men,  whether  the  stran- 
174 


THE  ^AMERICAN    CRUISER.  175 

ger  was  a  man-of-war  or  merchant  vessel,  for  having  so 
little  to  do  in  the  last  fifteen  days,  they  were  eager  to 
wet  their  palates,  and  cared  not  whether  it  was  a  chase, 
or  an  action. 

Hour  after  hour  passed  away,  and  no  ripple  or  cat's- 
paw  was  seen  on  the  surface  of  the  ocean,  neither  was 
the  bearing  or  distance  of  the  two  vessels  altered.  Tw* 
bells  was  struck,  and  not  a  change,  the  same  intermin 
able  calm  prevailed ;  but  the  young  seaman  who  had 
the  look-out  aloft,  reported  that  the  stranger  was  a  ship, 
having  a  breeze  from  the  eastward  and  bearing  down 
upon  the  Cruiser,  her  top-gallant-sails  being  lifted.  The 
cat's-paw  and  over-falls  came  dancing  over  the  deep, 
and  before  a  half  hour  passed,  the  breeze  was 
settled  and  steady. 

"  I  hope  the  stranger  will  keep  in  the  same  mind  as 
she  is  now,"  observed  the  Commander,  "  and  we  shall 
be  better  acquainted  before  dark." 

Every  yard  was  now  trimmed  to  the  breeze  on  the 
larboard  tack,  and  a  few  minutes  brought  the  stranger 
in  sight  from  the  deck,  but  as  soon  as  'her  hull  was 
lifted,  she  suddenly  hauled  close  to  the  wind,  on  the 
same  tack  with  the  Cruiser. 

"  He  has  the  weather-guage  of  us,"  continued  the 
Commander,  "  and  until  we  know  something  more  about 
him,  I  should  like  to  change  positions." 

"  I  am  of  the  same  opinion,"  -replied  the  first  lieu 
tenant  ;  "  but  that  movement  tells  me  that  he  is  some 
fat  merchantman,  or  letter  of  marque,  perhaps,  and  calcu 
lated  when  he  first  saw  us  that  he  would  make  a  prize." 


176  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

Innumerable  were  the  conjectures  in  relation  to  the 
character  of  our  neighbor.  Again  and  again  were  the 
glasses  put  in  requisition  to. see  if  any  thing  could  be 
discovered  to  decide  conflicting  opinions.  The  stranger 
had  taken  in  studding-sails  and  was  close  by  the  wind, 
bearing  directly  abeam  of  the  Cruiser.  All  doubts 
that  had  been  entertained  of  her  character  were  now 
dispelled  }  she  was  certainly  not  a  man-of-war,  and  even 
if  she  were  an  armed  vessel,  it  was  now  apparent  that 
she  did  not  admire  the  looks  of  the  Cruiser. 

"  That  craft  to  windward,"  said  the  skipper,  "  does 
not  appear  like  a  sleepy  merchantman ;  she  carries  a 
stout  sail,  square  yards,  and  shows  us  as  bold  a  side  as 
a  frigate,  for  she  is  as  upright  as  a  dish,  and  were  it 
not  for  this  move,  and  I  believe  it  is  only  a  manoeuvre, 
I  should  decide  that  she  was  a  man-of-war.  However, 
we  will  swagger  up  to  her,  and  if  my  conjecture  is 
right,  we  shall  have  use  for  all  our  muslin  shortly." 

All  the  light  sails  were  therefore  got  in  readiness,  and 
Long  Tom  was  prepared  to  enter  into  conversation  with 
the  stranger,  if  required.  The  northeastern  breeze  fresh 
ened  and  blew  briskly.  It  was  now  a  fair  trial  of  speed 
between  the  two  vessels,  but  the  Cruiser  had  the  advan 
tage,  for  she  not  only  lay  a  point  nearer  to  the  wind, 
but  actually  head-reached  quite  as  fast,  so  that  by 
sunset  the  relative  distance  between  the  two  was  very 
much  lessened,  not  being  more  than  a  half  mile  apart, 
and  it  became  evident  that  the  stranger  was  an  English 
man,  and  would  not  risk  an  action  if  it  could  possibly 
be  avoided.  After  night  had  set  in,  the  Cruiser 


THE   AMERICAN   CRUISER.  177 

shortened  sail  to  drop  in  the  wake  of  the  ship,  so  as  to 
keep  her  close  aboard,  during  the  night.  This  man 
oeuvre  was  effected,  and  by  eight  o'clock  the  Cruiser 
was  about  musket  shot  distant  from  the  ship. 

The  night  was  clear,  and  the  moon  had  risen  and  was 
calmly  sailing  on,  far  up  in  the  blue  ether,  silvering  the 
deep  with  her  gentle  radiance,  and  showering  a  flood  of 
sparkles  on  every  billowy  crest,  that  rolled  up  and 
shivered  in  her  light.  Every  where  objects  were 
discernible  with  as  much  distinctness  as  under  the 
noonday  sun.  The  breeze  sang  through  the  rigging 
with  a  joyous  sound,  singularly  pleasing,  after  the  si 
lence  and  monotony  of  the  fore  part  of  the  day ;  and 
the  waves  that  parted  beneath  the  cutwater,  rolled  glit 
tering  astern  along  the  sides,  while  ever  and  anon,  some 
billow  larger  than  its  fellows  broke  over  the  bow, 
sending  its  foam  crackling  back  to  the  foremast. 
Around  the  deck  the  men  were  gathered  each  one 
beside  his  allotted  gun,  silently  awaiting  the  moment  of 
attack.  The  cutlasses  had  been  served  out,  the  board 
ing  pikes  and  muskets  were  convenient  for  use  ;  the 
balls  had  already  been  on  deck,  and  the  Cruiser  only 
Avaited  for  some  demonstration  on  the  part  of  the  foe 
to  open  the  magazine,  *and  commence  the  combat  in 
earnest ;  but  no  manifestation  was  made,  for  she  kept 
on  her  way  under  a  cloud  of  sail,  in  profound  silence, 
evidently  wishing  to  avoid  the  combat  altogether,  or 
defer  it  until  morning. 

The  morning  dawn  broke  forth,  and  the  first  demon 
stration  of  attack  on  the  part  of  the  foe  was  given. 


178  THE    AMEKICAN    CRUISER. 

The  ports  were  thrown  up  and  displayed  eight  pieces 
of  cannon,  and  the  English  bunting  removed  all  doubts 
respecting  her  character,  which  could  not  be  misunder 
stood,  for  her  broadside  was  poured  into  the  Cruiser 
without  further  ceremony.  The  enemy's  shot  produced 
very  little  effect  upon  the  Cruiser,  only  cutting  away 
some  ropes,  and  a  few  air-holes  through  the  sails. 

"  You  had  better  elevate  the  muzzle  of  your  gun," 
said  the  old  gunner,  "  and  then  mayhap  you  will  cut 
away  our  trucks.  Long  Tom  will  pepper  you  after  a 
different  fashion,  when  it  comes  to  his  turn  to  speak." 
•As  soon  as  the  enemy  had  delivered  her  broadside, 
she  bore  away,  and  the  contest  became  a  running  fight, 
the  ship  delivering  her  stern  chasers  in  fine  style,  with 
*some  effect,  but  the  Cruiser  had  not  as  yet  fired  a  shot. 
Nevertheless,  as  she  was  superior  in  point  of  sailing,  she 
closed  in  rapidly  with  the  enemy,  and  took  her  position 
on  the  starboard  quarter  of  the  ship. 

"  It  is  a  pity  to  wing  that  craft,"  said  the  gunner,  as 
he  stood  by  Long  Tom,  impatiently  waiting  the  com 
mand  to  fire,  "  so  I'll  send  a  decent  messenger  to  that 
quarter-deck." 

The  fire  from  the  enemy  did  considerable  execution, 
and  the  crew,  impatient  of  restraint,  and  exasperated  at 
the  sight  of  blood,  were  eager  to  lay  along  side,  and 
they  did  not  hesitate  to  speak  their  minds  to  that  effect. 
"  Very  well,"  said  the  Commander,  evidently  pleased 
at  the  impetuosity  of  the  men,  "  in  twenty  minutes  we 
shall  be  alongside  of  that  ship,  and  I  expect  every  man 
will  do  his  duty.  Prepare,  then,  for  boarding." 


• 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  181 

\ 

Just  then  a  shot  from  the  enemy  cut  away  the 
Cruiser's  main-topmast. 

"  Is  Long  Tom  ready  ?  "  shouted  the  skipper. 

"  Aye,  aye,  sir,"  was  the  response. 

"  Fire  !  " 

A  loud  cracking  was  heard  immediately  after  the 
discharge  of  Long  Tom,  and  when  the  smoke  cleared 
away,  the  enemy's  quarter-boardrail  and  taffrail  were 
out  away.  The  compliment  was  immediately  repeated 
by  Long  Tom  with  great  effect,  and  the  two  eighteen 
wund  carronades,  filled  with  grape  and  langrage  shot, 
>vere  delivered  in  a  manner  that  drove  the  Englishmen 
from  their  quarters,  after  which  the  Cruiser  shot  along 
side  and  grappled  the  mizzen-chains  of  the  ship. 

"  Boarders  away !  "  shouted  the  skipper. 

The  assailants,  with  the  young  seaman  and  boatswain 
at  their  head,  boarded  on  the  starboard  quarter,  rushing 
tvith  an  impetuosity  that  drove  the  Englishmen  as  far  as 
the  main-mast.  Here  they  once  more  rallied,  and  the 
conflict  on  the  part  of  the  foe,  exasperated  as  they  were 
at  the  prospects  of  losing  their  ship,  was  so  furious,  that 
for  a  moment  'the  assailants  retreated  ;  but  the  brave 
young  seaman  and  the  boatswain,  perceiving  the  check 
of  their  shipmates,  threw  themselves  into  the  hottest  of 
the  fight,  and  with  voices  that  reverberated  far  away 
on  the  ocean,  shouted,  "Follow  us,  shipmates,  she  is 
ours  !  " 

The  dexterous  arm  of  the  young  seaman  and  the 
science  of  the  boatswain,  dealt  out  destruction  to  all  who 
had  the  temerity  to  oppose  them,  while  the  undaunted 
16 


182  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

first  lieutenant  drove  the  Englishmen  on  the  starboard 
side.  For  a  short  time  the  wild  uproar  of  the  fight,  the 
groans  of  the  wounded  and  dying,  baffles  all  description. 
The  conflict,  however,  was  soon  decided,  for  the  crew 
of  the  ship,  consisting  of  mongrel  Frenchmen  and  Eng 
lishmen  together,  were  driven  by  the  furious  Yankees 
as  far  as  the  fore-mast,  and  then  sung,  out  for  quarter. 
At  the  same  moment  the  English  bunting  was  hauled 
down,  and  the  contest  was  at  an  end.  This  beautiful 
prize-ship  was  a  Gurnsey  letter  of  marque,  mounting 
sixteen  guns,  with  a  complement  of  fifty  men.  This 
ship,  with  two  heavy  British  brigs  of  the  same  character, 
had  captured  an  American  merchantman.  The  captain, 
a  first  ofiicer,  and  three  men,  were  now  prisoners  on 
board.  The  high  excitement  of  the  battle,  the  despe 
rate  resistance  of  the  ship's  crew,  together  with  the 
sight  of  their  wounded,  produced  a  savage  ferocity 
among  the  Yankee  tars,  that  no  power  or  exertion  on 
the  part  of  the  officers  could  restrain,  and  it  broke  out 
in  a  scene  of  indiscriminate  robbery  and  plunder,  which 
could  not  be  suppressed  until  the  old  seamen  united 
with  the  officers,  and  only  then  by  force  of  arms,  an 
effectual  check  was  made  to  these  outrages. 


CHAPTER 


A  DASH  AT  THE  FLEET. 

THE  scenes  of  excitement  being  over,  and  the 
prize  being  ordered  to  the  United  States,  it  became  a 
matter  of  necessity  to  make  some  disposition  of  the  pris 
oners,  for  they  were  not  only  an  encumbrance,  but  the 
safety  of  the  Cruiser  demanded  their  release.  It  was  a 
deplorable  sight  to  behold  the  prisoners  stripped  of  all 
their  dunnage.  The  author  being  now  identified  as  one 
of  the  number  composing  the  officers  of  the  Cruiser, 
suffered  also  in  the  general  pillage  of  the  ship  ;  but  to 
the  honor  of  the  Commander  and  officers  be  it  spoken, 
they  instituted  a  plan  of  search,  which  proved  entirely 
effectual  to  the  restoration  of  every  article  of  clothing 
to  their  respective  owners,  and  thus,  at  least,  some  of 
the  miseries  of  their  situation  were  alleviated. 

In  a  few  days  we  fell  in  with  a  Portuguese  schooner, 
bound  to  the  Western  Islands.  This  being  a  favorable 
opportunity  for  releasing  the  prisoners,  they  were  all 
put  on  board  with  the  exception  of  a  few,  who  joined  the 
Cruiser. 

We  were  now  clear  of  our  encumbrance.  But  the 
manning  of  several  prizes,  besides  the  loss  of  life  in  the 

183 


184  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

serious  actions,  reduced  the  number  of  the  crew  to  about 
sixty  souls,  and  the  greater  part  of  these  were  any  thing 
but  seamen,  yet  they  were  capable  of  the  most  daring 
acts  of  desperation ;  for  when  no  other  opportunity  pre 
sented  to  exhibit  their  villanous  propensitiy,  they  would 
rob  each  other.  This  was  carried  on  to  such  an  extent, 
that  the  shirts  of  those  who  were  sleeping  in  their  ham 
mocks  were  cut  off  from  their  backs.  A  circumstance  of 
this  character  was  perpetrated  on  the  person  of  one  of 
the  re-captured  American  seamen.  This  poor  fellow  had 
six  doubloons  sewed  up  in  a  flannel  shirt,  which  he  wore 
next  to  his  skin,  and  as  this  matter  was  kept  a  profound 
secret,  he  was  under  the  impression  that  it  was  known 
only  to  himself.  One  night,  however,  after  he  had  been 
quietly  stowed  away  in  his  hammock  for  about  four 
hours,  he  was  astonished  and  mortified  beyond  measure, 
when  he  turned  out,  to  find  himself  minus  shirt  and 
doubloons.  He  kept  quiet  until  the  next  morning,  when 
he  related  to  me  the  circumstance  of  the  robbery,  which 
was  immediately  communicated  to  the  Commander,  and 
the  following  plan  was  instituted  to  recover  the  lost 
treasure. 

All  hands  were  piped  to  quarters,  the  muster  roll 
was  then  called,  and  when  it  was  ascertained  that  all 
were  on  deck,  the  object  of  this  manoeuvre  was  made 
known  to  them  ;  the  gratings  were  then  fastened  down, 
and  all  hands  quietly  submitted  to  a  personal  search ; 
this  being  done  without  any  discovery,  the  petty  officers 
were  sent  to  overhaul  the  berth-deck.  After  a  long 
and  diligent  search,  the  stolen  money  was  found, 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  185 

stowed  away  in  the  fore-peak,  very  carefully  concealed 
in  a  box  containing  balls  of  thread  and  twine.  The 
recovery  of  the  money  in  the  box  was  the  means  of  find 
ing  out  the  miserable  culprit,  upon  whom  was  inflicted 
a  severe  punishment,  after  which  this  wretched  practice 
was  measurably  suppressed. 

A  few  days  after  the  events  related  in  the  preceding 
chapter,  I  was  roused  up  in  the  morning  watch,  by  the 
exciting  cry  of  "  The  fleet,  the  fleet !  "  This  was  the 
long  looked  for,  and  much  desired  object  for  which  the 
Cruiser  had  been  furrowing  these  seas,  to  the  imminent 
hazard  of  being  taken. 

It  was  a  clear,  bland  morning ;  the  eastern  breeze 
blew  gently,  the  sea  was  perfectly  smooth,  and  a  de 
nned  horizon  stretched  far  away  in  a  long,  unbroken 
line  to  the  south-west.  The  sun  already  measured 
twenty  degrees  altitude,  and  was  ascending  rapidly, 
while  his  brilliant  rays  reflected  on  the  ocean  a  light  so 
intense  that  no  eye,  however  strong,  could  steadfastly 
gaze  thereon.  Myriads  of  silvery  images  shot  forth 
from  the  crested  billows,  as  they  rolled  along  and 
broke  from  the  impetus  of  the  wind.  It  was  a  day 
when  objects  on  the  surface  of  the  ocean  could  be 
seen  at  the  greatest  distance,  and  the  situation  and 
bearings  of  the  fleet  were  most  favorable,  being  at  least 
ten  miles  to  the  leeward  of  the  Cruiser. 

"We've  got  the  weather-guage  of  them  chaps,"  ob 
served  the  boatswain  to  the  young  seaman,  "  and  if  our 
skipper  holds  this  advantage  till  dark,  why  then  I'll 
miss  my  reck'ning,  but  we  '11  have  some  of  them  fat 
16* 


186  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

merchantmen  before  morning  ;  just  enough  to  finish  our 
cruise,  and  be  off  with  flying  colors  to  Yankee  land." 

"  It  is  true,  our  prospects  are  fair  this  morning,"  re 
plied  the  young  seaman,  "  and  I  sincerely  hope  that  no 
dark  cloud  may  obscure  them.  For  my  own  part, 
however,  disappointments  have  so  often  fallen  to  my 
lot,  that  they  have  changed  the  temperament  of  my 
mind.  I  have  closely  observed  the  conduct  of  our 
Commander,  ever  since  the  affair  off  Madeira,  and  his 
rashness  is  the  most  prominent  trait  of  his  character,  and 
I  fear,  may  yet  lead  to  disastrous  consequences.  We 
are  now  too  near  that  fleet,  and  you  are  well  aware  that 
one  false  movement  may  involve  the  fate  of  the 
Cruiser,  with  the  loss  of  life,  and  the  incarceration  of 
the  crew  in  a  British  prison  during  the  remainder  of  the 
war,  and  thus  the  advantages  we  now  have,  would  be 
forever  cut  off;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  a  little  pru 
dence  and  judgment  would  ensure  a  profitable  cruise, 
and  thus  we  might  return  to  America  with  good  for 
tune." 

"  Why  it  is  true  what  you  say,  messmate,"  replied 
the  boatswain,  "  for  I've  just  been  hauling  my  thinking 
tacks  aboard,  and  says  I  to  myself,  if  John  Bull  gets  a 
squint  at  us",  why  then,  d'ye  see,  the  jig 's  up,  for  the 
convoy  will  chase  us  away  from  the  fleet  yonder,  so  that 
it  will  take  this  craft,  clean  heels  as  she's  got,"  to  fetch 
up  to  that  fleet  in  a  week,  and  in  my  way  of  thinking, 
instead  of  edging  off,  I'd  just  bear  to  windward." 

As  the  young  seaman  was  about  to  reply,  orders  were 
issued  to  the  boatswain  to  pipe  all  hands  to  quarters. 


THE    AMERICAN     CRUISER.  J.87 

"  Whew !  "  said  the  boatswain,  "  what's  in  the  wind 
now  ?  are  we  going  to  capture  the  whole  of  that  fleet, 
convoy  and  all  ?  " 

All  hands  were  soon  on  deck,  and  every  preparation 
was  made  for  action.  A  consultation  was  now  held  on 
the  quarter-deck,  the  purport  of  which  was,  that  any 
nearer  proximity  to  the  fleet  during  the  day,  would  be 
hazardous ;  opinions  were  given,  until  at  length  the  Com 
mander  decided  to  bear  up,  and  run  down  to  the  fleet 
immediately.  The  first  lieutenant  remonstrated  against 
this  proceeding,  and  the  remainder  of  the  officers  were 
unanimous  in  their  dissent  to  the  measure,  and  hesitated 
not  to  express  their  entire  disapprobation  to  such  a  rash 
act.  It  was  not  long  before  the  intention  of  the  Com 
mander  was  known  fore  and  aft.  Many  of  the  crew 
said  they  would  do  no  duty ;  others  were  for  packing 
up  their  dunnage ;  in  short,  the  greater  part  of  the  crew 
and  officers  made  no  other  calculation  but  to  be  cap 
tured.  Every  manoeuvre  and  remonstrance  was,  how 
ever,  in  vain,  for  the  Commander,  after  settling  a  plan 
for  action,  could  not  be  moved,  either  by  remonstrance 
or  otherwise.  The  light  sails  were  therefore  got  in 
readiness,  and  the  order  was  given  to  bear  away  four 
points ;  two  prize-masters  were  sent  aloft  for  the  look 
out,  and  the  Cruiser,  with  slackened  sheets,  moved 
noiselessly  through  the  water  at  the  rate  of  seven  knots. 
The  relative  distance  between  the  fleet  and  the  Cruiser 
lessened  every  minute,  and  scarcely  had  an  hour 
elapsed,  when  by  the  proximity,  the  hulks  of  this  nume 
rous  fleet  were  seen  above  the  surface  of  the  ocean. 


188  THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER. 

No  sight  could  be  more  magnificent  and  noble  than  this 
fleet  presented.  Upwards  of  four  hundred  sail  of  large 
ships  and  brigs,  with  a  fair  wind,  under  a  cloud  of  can 
vass,  were  rolling  majestically  on  the  great  deep,  and 
from  the  position  of  the  Cruiser,  they  appeared  to  form 
regular  lines.  Such  a  sight  under  other  circumstances, 
would  have  created  universal  delight ;  but  the  Crui 
ser  was  incurring  great  hazard  without  any  positive 
object  in  view,  and  without  the  least  probability  of 
making  any  captures;  on  the  contrary,  the  chances 
were  three  to  one  against  her.  All  these  circumstances 
threw  a  deep  shade  of  gloom -among  the  crew  and  offi 
cers,  and  quite  banished  from  the  mind  the  beauty  of 
a  scene  which  would  have  attracted  the  intense  gaze 
and  wonder  of  a  stoic.  The  Cruiser  had  now  reached 
within  a  mile  of  the  fleet,  and  it  was  reported  from  the 
mast-head  that  the  several  ships  and  brigs  were  signal 
izing  ;  this  report  was  corroborated  by  the  first  lieuten 
ant,  who  had  the  spy-glass  in  requisition  for  the  last 
half  hour,  gazing  intently  npon  the  enemy. 

"  They  have  discovered  our  character,"  replied  he 
to  the  Commander,  "  which  has  thrown  them  into  great 
excitement,  for  you  perceive  the  extreme  right  of  the 
line  has  bore  up,  while  the  van  are  all  hove  to,  and  the 
rear  are  crowding  every  stitch  of  canvass  to  close  hi 
with  the  convoy ;  and  now  may  I  ask,"  he  continued 
to  the  Commander,  "  what  plan  of  operation  do  you  in 
tend  to  pursue  next  ?  " 

The  Commander  paused  for  a  moment,  and  appeared 
to  have  no  definite  plan  matured,  but  recovering  him- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER-  189 

self  immediately,  promptly  replied,  "We  will  speak 
with  that  ship  you  see  there,  about  two  points  on  the 
larboard  bow." 

The  Cruiser  was  hauled  up  immediately  and  Long 
Tom  was  got  in  readiness,  and  the  old  gunner  gruffly 
observed  that  his  friend  was  going  to  hold  a  very  un 
becoming  conversation,  and  one  from  which  he  would 
gain  no  credit. 

The  Cruiser  now  ranged  up  boldly  towards  the  ship, 
and  although  the  enemy  was  under  a  press  of  canvass, 
the  former  overhauled  her  hand  over  hand,  and  when 
in  speaking  distance  the  Englishman  was  ordered  to 
heave  to.  He  however  with  undaunted  firmness  heed 
ed  not  the  threats,  but  kept  steadily  on  his  course,  un 
til  the  patience  of  the  Commander  became  exhausted, 
and  he  madly  ordered  the  gunner  to  let  Long  Tom 
speak  to  him  between  wind  and  water. 

The  officers  again  remonstrated  by  saying  that  the 
report  would  bring  the  convoy  upon  their  heels  imme 
diately,  and  then  the  chances  of  escape  would  be  ex 
tremely  doubtful.  But  they  might  as  well  have  held 
their  breath,  for  the  order  was  given  to  fire  ;  but  in 
stead  of  the  shot  passing  between  wind  and  water,  the 
mizen-mast  was  cut  away. 

At  this  moment  the  mast-head-man  reported  that  a 
frigate  and  sloop-of-war  was  bearing  down  under  press 
of  canvass  towards  the  Cruiser.  The  ship  although 
in  much  confusion,  did  not  Heave  to,  while  a  general 
anxiety  prevailed  on  board  the  Cruiser  for  their  own 
safety,  as  the  hulls  of  the  men-of-war  became  plainly 


190  THE    AMERICAS    CRUISER. 

visible  from  the  deck.  Long  Tom  was  re-charged  and 
the  Cruiser  was  hauled  off  from  the  ship,  while  every 
sail  was  set,  and  she  boldly  ran  through  the  fleet, 
Long  Tom  paying  his  compliments  to  ah1  within  speak 
ing  distance,  cutting  away  the  spars  of  some  and  hull 
ing  others,  while  she  bounded  through  the  water  like  a 
dolphin,  and  the  fleet  scampered  away  like  so  many 
deer  with  hounds  on  their  trail ;  but  what  with  luifing 
and  bearing  away  the  sloop  of  war  had  gained  rapidly 
on  the  chase,  and  it  became  necessary  to  take  every 
advantage  in  flight.  The  Cruiser  was  therefore  kept 
away  out  of  the  fleet,  and  it  soon  became  evident  that 
the  chase  was  no  laggard^  for  although  the  Cruiser  was 
favored  with  her  best  chances  of  sailing,  yet  the  sloop 
of  war  perceptibly  gained  on  the  chase,  but  the  frigate 
dropped  astern. 

"  We  are  likely  to  have  a  pretty  day's  work  on't," 
said  the  boatswain  to  the  young  seaman,  "  and  that 
madcap  skipper  of  ours,  although  he  has  had  some  fun 
with  the  Englishmen,  yet  I'll  miss  my  reck'ning  if  that 
chap  astarn  won't  have  the  best  conversation  after  all, 
if  our  old  plan  of  trimming  ship  don't  succeed,  for  you 
see  messmate  she  is  overhauling  us.  Now  I  don't  mind 
having  a  bit  of  dust  with  an  equal  chance,  but  that 
twenty  gun  brig  opposite  is  great  odds  against  this 
Cruiser  and  our  crew." 

The  sloop  of  war  was  now  within  gun  shot,  and  her 
bow-chasers  were  sent  after  the  Cruiser  in  rapid  suc 
cession,  but  without  effect.  The  old  expedient  of  trim 
ming  was  now  resorted  to,  and  the  good  effects  were 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  191 

plainly  perceived.  In  less  than  half  an  hour  from  this 
time  it  was  evident  the  Cruiser  gained  upon  the  chase, 
for  every  shot  fell  short,  and  in  an  hour  and  a  half  the 
Cruiser  luffed  up,  while  Long  Tom  occasionally  paid  his 
compliments  to  the.  sloop  of  war.  The  chase  was  con 
tinued  for  about  four  hours,  during  which  time  the 
Cruiser  gained  half  a  league  on  the  chase,  and  the 
Englishman  no  doubt  believing  that  the  Cruiser  was 
sufficiently  far  to  leeward  of  the  fleet,  and  it  would  be 
impossible  for  her  to  overhaul  them  during  the  night, 
gave  up  the  chase  and  hauled  upon  a  wind.  •  • 

'From  this  time,  the  confidence  which  ought  to  rest  in 
the  Commander  by  the  officers  and  crew,  was  gradually 
withdrawn.  The  events  of  this  day  had  proved  him  to 
be  entirely  incapable  of  the  management  of  a  private 
armed  vessel,  for  this  mad  freak  had  not  only  destroyed 
the  object  of  the  cruise,  but  it  had  also  uselessly  put  in 
jeopardy  the  lives  of  the  crew,  and  had  well  nigh  sealed 
the  fate  of  the  Cruiser  ;  it  was  the  means,  also  of  pro 
longing  the  cruise,  and  blasted  the  prospects  which  bid 
so  fair  in  the  morning  of  that  day  to  end  in  brilliant  suc 
cess.  Notwithstanding  great  chagrin  reigned  among 
ihe  officers  and  crew,  yet  after  all  this  headstrong  and 
daring  act,  and  the  management  of  the  Cruiser  in  the 
chase,  in  some  degree,  at  least,  atoned  for  the  rashness 
and  impetuosity  of  the  Commander. 

"  The  events  of  this  day  have  concluded  like  many  of 
my  history,"  observed  the  young  seaman  to  the  boat- 
swam,  "  and  when  the  sun  rose  with  all  its  splen 
dor  this  morning,  and  when,  too,  the  hopes  of. 


192  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

the  crew  were  wrought  up  to  the  greatest  pitch  at 
the  fair  prospect,  not  only  of  gain,  but  also  of  ending 
our  cruise,  even  then  you  are  aware,  my  friend,  that  my 
hopes  were  far  from  sanguine  that  this  day  would  end 
pleasantly  and  profitably,  and  I  cannot  help  the  presen 
timent,  that  although  sunshine,  and  fair  weather,  and 
fair  prospects  marked  the  commencement  of  this  cruise, 
yet  to  me,  dark  clouds  will  rise,  and  misfortunes  fall 
around  this  vessel.  Yes,  my  friend,"  he  con 
tinued,  "  whether  it  may  be  by  the  tornado,  or  the 
hurricane,  or  by  the  enemy's  shot,  yet  I  fear  this  craft 
will  lay  her  timbers  beneath  the  billows  of  the  ocean." 

"  Why,  messmate,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  I  just 
had  some  misgivings  of  that  sort  myself;  but  what's  the 
odds,  if  a  sailor  does  his  duty,  whether  he  is  sent  under 
hatches  by  a  blast  of  wind,  or  by  a  streak  of  lightning, 
or  by  the  enemy's  shot  making  daylight  through  him  ?  I 
say,  what's  the  odds,  if  he  goes  to  kingdom  come  with  a 
clean  set  of  papers,  won't  he  be  ready  to  answer  to  his 
name  cheerfully  when  the  muster-roll  is  called  at  the 
last  day  ? " 

"  It  is  true,"  replied  the  young  seaman  mournfully; 
"  but  then  something  more  is  necessary  than  the  mere 
discharge  of  our  duty  to  our  fellow-men,  in  order  to  en 
sure  a  peaceful  end  and  eternal  happiness  in  the  other 
world.  Yes,  my  friend,  although  we  are  true  mess 
mates  and  friends,  and  although  so  far  as  our  duty  is 
concerned  toward  our  fellow-men,  we  have  endeavored 
to  discharge  it  faithfully,  yet,  we  are  both  of  us  exceed 
ingly  deficient  in  the  discharge  of  our  duty  toward 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISES,.  193 

God  in  order  to  obtain  a  passport  for  another  and  a 
better  world." 

"  Well,  messmate,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  since  we 
are  upon  that  tack,  and  you're  high  larnt,  I'd  just  like  to 
know  how  a  chap 's  to  square  away  by  the  lifts  and  bra 
ces,  and  trim  his  sails,  and  get  safe  into  the  good 
Port?" 

"  The  Bible  is  the  word  of  God,"  observed  the  young 
seaman,  "  and  may  be  properly  compared  to  a  chart. 
On  this  chart,  then,  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  the 
good  Port  is  correctly  laid  down ;  here,  every  rock, 
shoal,  quicksand  and  breaker,  is  faithfully  and  clearly 
.pointed  out.  The  true  course  is  also  laid  down,  and  what 
is  of  still  greater  advantage  to  poor  sailors,  the  track  is 
marked  off  on  this  chart  from  this  world  to  the  broad 
Bay  of  Heaven,  so  that  we  may  correctly  learn  our 
position  each  day,  for  there  can  be  no  mistakes  in  this 
log-book.  There  is  one  thing  more  that  is  necessary  to 
ensure  a  safe  passage,  and  happy  entrance  into  Port, 
and  that  is,  we  must  take  on  board  the  Heavenly  Pilot. 
Now  this  Pilot  is  not  only  an  able  seaman,  but  a  most 
skillful  navigator  ;  he  has  never  lost  a  ship,  neither  has 
he  run  any  on  shore,  or  carried  away  a  spar  or  rope- 
yarn  ;  but  then  it  is  necessary  that  the  strictest  attention 
should  be  given  to  all  his  orders ;  if  we  fail  to  do  this, 
he  will  leave  the  ship,  and  then  there  are  nine  chances 
out  of  ten  that  she  will  become  a  perfect  wreck  on  the 
shoals  of  Destruction.  There  is  one  thing  more ;  when 
you  take  this  Pilot  on  board,  you  must  not  doubt  his 
ability  and  power  to  get  you  safe  into  Port ;  if  you  do, 
17 


194  THE    AMERICAN    CKUISER. 

you  will  be  likely  either  to  disobey  his  commands,  or 
there  will  be  an  indifference  on  your  part  to  obey 
them  promptly ;  and  thus  you  may  weary  his  patience, 
so  that  he  may  leave  you  to  the  mercy  of  the  winds  and 
the  waves." 

Here  the  conversation  closed  for  the  present,  with  the 
request  on  the  part  of  the  boatswain  to  the  young  sea 
man,  that  he  would  point  out  the  way  in  which  he  should 
get  this  Pilot  on  board.  The  young  seaman  promised  to 
do  so  at  some  future  opportunity,  and  as  the  first  watch 
was  at  an  end,  they  both  turned  in  for  the  night. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

DISAFFECTION  OF  THE  CREW,   LUDICROUS  STORY  FROM  JIMMY 

EVERY  day  brought  with  it  fresh  proofs  of  the  gene 
ral  disaffection  of  the  crew  and  officers,  and  a  with 
drawal  of  that  confidence  from  the  Commander  which 
is  at  all  times  necessary  to  ensure  a  good  state  of  dis 
cipline,  as  well  as  the  success  of  the  cruise.  Nor  was 
this  disaffection  kept  silent,  for  they  hesitated  not  to 
declare  their  sentiments  aloud ;  and  although  the  Com 
mander  affected  to  turn  a  deaf  ear,  yet  he  plainly  saw 
that  it  was  necessary  to  have  some  counteracting  re 
source  in  order  that  this  general  disorder  might  not 
break  out  into  an  open  mutiny.  He  saw  evidently  that 
his  own  imprudence  and  rashness  had  brought  about 
this  state  of  dislike,  and  also  was  the  means  of  prolong 
ing  the  cruise.  The  chances  also  of  falling  in  with 
British  merchantmen  were  now  comparatively  small, 
and  even  if  they  did  so,  of  course  they  would  be  run 
ning  ships  well  manned  and  armed,  prepared  for  des 
perate  resistance.  All  these  circumstances  combined 
made  it  necessary  to  attempt  some  daring  exploit, 
speedy  capture,  or  some  other  resource  to  draw  off 
the  minds  of  the  crew  and  officers,  in  order  that  he 

195 


196  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

might  regain  their  confidence  ;  as  to  the-  two  former  of 
these  expedients  nothing  as  yet  had  transpired  to  effect 
his  plan.  There  was  a  resource,  however,  always  at 
hand,  and  this  was  no  other  than  the  musical  powers  of 
Jimmy.  lie  had  gradually  ingratiated  himself  into  the 
good  graces  of  the  officers,  and  was  now  more  than  ever 
a  favorite  with  the  crew.  In  their  estimation  his  fife 
discoursed  eloquent  music,  so  that  with  the  concord 
of  sweet  sounds,  and  his  irresistible  tact  in  relating 
quaint  stories,  he  was  at  this  time,  especially,  a  most 
important  character.  The  little  musician,  therefore,  em 
ployed  all  his  skill  in  both  branches  :  that  is,  when  his 
fife  was  silent,  the  other  member,  namely  his  tongue, 
made  up  the  deficiency,  so  that  between  one  and  the 
other,  Jimmy's  powers,  (though  unconsciously,)  effected 
for  the  Commander  that  which  his  rashness  had  in  some 
degree  lost ;  at  any  rate  it  served  for  the  time  being  to 
keep  down  the  spirit  of  insubordination,  which  if  carried 
out,  would  have  proved  disastrous,  and  put  an  end  to  the 
cruise. 

It  was  at  the  conclusion  of  one  of  those  days  of  mer 
riment  and  glee,  inspired  by  the  musical  powers  of  Jim 
my,  after  four  hours  of  hard  fifing,  that  you  might  have 
seen  him  in  the  midst  of  a  large  group  of  seamen,  qui 
etly  seated  on  the  main-deck,  preparing  to  spin  out  a 
long  yarn,  to  the  no  small  gratification  of  the  listeners, 
who  were  ready  with  mouths,  eyes  and  ears  open  to 
swallow  every  word  that  proceeded  from  the  mouth  of 
their  favorite,  while  Jimmy,  coiling  up  his  short  legs, 
twisted  his  mouth,  and  threw  his  small  eyes  over 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  197 

the   company  with  such  an  expression  of  comic  hu 
mor,  that  they  simultaneously  broke  out  into  an  immod 
erate  fit  of  laughter.     After  the  uproar  had  ceased, 
there  was  a  profound  silence,  and  Jimmy,  with  his  fife 
in  one  hand,  and  with  the  two  fingers  of  the  other,  as 
his  custom  was,  thrust  into  his  hreeches  pocket,  gave 
two  or  three  loud  hems,  and  began  his  yarn  as  follows : 
"  Gentlemen,"  said  Jimmy,  "  I  thought  as  how  when 
there  would  be  a  good  time,  I'd  give  you  a  story  about 
myself;  and  as  we  havn't  much  to  do  about  these  parts, 
why  it's  just  about  the  right  time  to  come  at  it  at  once. 
Well,  though  I  can't  boast  of  being  kin  to  any  high 
bred  folks,  and  as  I  don't  exactly  remember  who  my 
parents  were,  only  by  hearsay  ;  yet  if  they  was  not  high 
bred,  nor  high  larnt,  they  were  high  metal ;  for  as  I 
was  told,  my  father  was  the  bully  of  the  high-binders, 
and  my  mother  used  to  go  by  the  name,  down  to  the 
Hook,  of  fighting  Nance.    How  this  was  I  can't  tell,  for 
all  I  remember  of  her  is  a  sound  drubbing  "that  I  had 
from  her ;  and  I  afterwards  larnt,  she  filled  up  her 
days  in  the  respectable  condition  of  a  house  servant  at 
the  Hook,  and  my  father  was  clapped  in  the  peniten 
tiary  just  for  knocking  a  man  down,  and  making  off  with 
his  pocket-book,  where  he  finished  his  days,  and  I  was 
left  upon  the  wide  world  to  make  my  fortune.     As  good 
luck  would  have  it,  gentlemen,  you  see  I  had  a  kind  of 
a  notion  in  them  young  days  of  mine  about  singfcg  and 
music,  and  so  after  I  had  lost  my  parents,  (which  by 
the  way  didn't  care  much  about  me,)  why  then  I  was 
thrown  upon  the  wide  world,  to  get  my  living  the  best 
17* 


198  THE  AMERICAN   CBUISER. 

way  I  could.  Sometimes  I  slept  in  the  cellar,  and 
sometimes  in  the  garret,  when  any  one  was  kind  enough 
to  take  me  in.  Well,  hi  the  day  time  I  used  to  stroll 
about  the  streets  of  York,  and  beg  what  I  could  to  live 
on,  and  then  I  would  go  about  and  listen  to  the  music. 
But  what  most  of  all  delighted  me  was,  to  stand  by  the 
place  where  they  listed  sogers  ;  the  rattle  of  the  drums 
made  me  jump  for  joy :  but  when  the  fifer  played  on 
his  instrument,  (here  Jimmy  brandished  his  fife  three 
or  four  times  over  his  head  in  great  triumph,)  I  used  to 
laugh,  and  cry  all  in  the  same  breath,  and  so  I  thought 
I'd  try  to  beg  money  enough  to  buy  a  fife  and  larn  to 
play  myself.  Well,  it  was  n6t  long  before  I  got  to 
gether  enough,  and  away  I  goes  to  a  music  shop,  and 
got  the  fife,  aye,  and  paid  the  money  down  for  it  too  ; 
so  I  spent  many  long  days  and  nights  before  I  could 
larn  to  play  one  tune,  but  perseverance  and  hard  trying 
made  me,  as  near  as  I  can  tell,  not  only  a  pretty  good 
fife-player  when  I  was  about  fifteen  years  old,  but  I 
could  sing  a  pretty  good  song  and  tell  a  pretty  funny 
story  too,  so  that  I  used  to  go  by  the  name  of  the  little 
fifer.  Well,  one  day,  as  I  was  trying  my  best  to  play 
the  President's  March,  close  by  a  beer  shop,  the  sound 
of  my  fife  got  a  considerable  crowd  around  me  ;  so  after 
I  had  finished  playing, 

" '  That's  not  bad,'  says  one. 

"  '  Where  did  you  larn  to  play  the  fife  ? '  says 
another. 

"  « Why,'  says  a  third, « he'll  do  to  fife  for  the  York 
Volunteers.' 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  19y 

"  At  the  sound  of  these  last  words,  I  pricked  up  my 
ears,  and  was  just  about  to  ask  a  question,  when  a  short, 
thick,  red-faced  man  came  up  and  inquired  where  I 
lived.  '  Why,  may 't  please  your  honor,'  says  I,  '  I've 
got  no  father  nor  mother,  no  home  ;  and  if  I  must  tell 
the  truth,  I  live  in  the  streets,  only  when  some  good 
person  lets  me  sleep  in  his  cellar,  garret,  or  stable.' 

"  '  Well,'  says  he  to  me,  '  how  would  you  like  to 
come  and  live  with  me  ;  I'll  put  you  into  a  genteel  way 
of  getting  along,  and  if  you  mind  your  eye,  it  would 
make  a  man  of  you.' 

"I  couldn't  help  making  a  baby  of  myself  at  this 
offer,  for  somehow  or  other  I  felt  queer,  and  so  I 
thanked  him,  and  told  Mm  I  was  ready  to  sarve  him 
in  any  way ;  so  I  thrust  my  fife  into  my  bosom,  and 
walked  off  with  this  same  man,  until  we  came  to  a 
small  house,  with  a  sign  before  the  door  of  a  large  bell ; 
so  we  went  into  this  house,  and  there  was  a  good  many 
people  setting  round  different  tables,  with  mugs,  and 
glasses,  and  pipes,  and  tobacco,  while  some  was  drink 
ing,  some  was  swearing,  and  many  was  smoking,  and 
the  room  nearly  choked  me,  for  it  was  in  a  cloud  of 
smoke.  After  I  had  got  my  breath,  I  looked  up  at  one 
end  of  the  room,  and  it  seemed  to  be  all  closed  in  from 
the  other  part,  and  there  was  barrels  and  kegs,  and 
great  pots,  and  pint  pots,  and  half-pint  pots,  and  when 
they  wanted  to  put  these  out  of  sight,  they  had  a  red 
curtain  which  they  drawed  right  across  that  part  of  the 
room.  While  I  stood  looking  on,  the  gentleman  called, 

"  '  Here,  my  man,'  says  he,  '  what's  your  name  ?  ' 


200  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISES. 

"  '  That's  just  what  I  can't  tell  you,'  says  I,  for  my 
father  went  by  the  name  of  the  bully,  and  my  mother 
by  the  name  of  fighting  Nance  ;  so  between  them  both, 
it  was  hard  to  tell  which  name  to  go  by ;  and  then  I 
had  no  name  at  all  from  them,  but  after  I  turned  out  to 
make  my  own  living,  I  always  went  by  the  name  of 
Pimple  with  those  that  knew  me,  because  they  said  my 
head  was  so  small."  Here  Jimmy's  mouth  expanded,  his 
nostrils  dilated,  and  his  little  eyes  beamed  with  a  quaint 
expression,  and  simultaneously  the  little  musician  and 
the  whole  company  broke  out  into  an  immoderate  fit  of 
laughter ;  for  it  will  be  recollected  that  Jimmy  had  the 
largest  head  of  any  man  on  board.  , 

After  the  excitement  produced  by  this  last  sally  was 
over,  the  little  musician  proceeded : 

"  '  Pimple,'  said  the  gentleman,  '  that's  an  odd  name 
anyhow,  but  howsomever,  we'll  just  take  off  the  two  last 
letters,  by  way  of  short'ning  it,  and  now  you  understand 
you're  to  go  by  the  name  of  Pimp.  And  now  Mr. 
Pimp,  said  the  landlord,'  for  I  found  out  it  was  no  other 
than  himself  who  kept  this  house,  '  if  you  will  exert 
yourself  and  sarve  my  interest,  why  then  you  shall  have 
the  best  of  good  living  with  the  servants,  and  sixpence 
a  week  for  pocket  money.' 

"  I  thanked  him,  and  asked  him  what  I  should  go 
about. 

"  '  Why,'  says  he,  *  you  must  be  a  kind  of  porter  to 
this  bar-room.' 

"  '  And  what's  that  ?  '  says  I. 

"  *  Why,'  says  he,  '  first  and  foremost,  you  must  lam 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  201 

to  sing  well,  for  that  will  fetch  in  the  customers  ;  and 
then  you  must  clean  boots,  scrub  the  floor,  tend  the  tap 
room,  and  every  thing  else  that's  wanting ;  and  hark  'ee, 
Mr.  Pimp,  if  you  are  a  good  boy,  your  wages  shall  be 
raised  very  soon.' 

"  I  thanked  him  kindly,  but  I  didn't  much  like  the 
last  work  he  spoke  of,  for  I  thought  to  do  every  thing 
that  was  wanting  was  a  little  more  than  I  could  do ; 
howsomever,  I  didn't  much  care,  so  long  as  I  had  my 
fife,  and  had  time  to  sing  songs  ;  so  I  went  on  cheer 
fully  to  my  new  business,  and  it  was  not  long  before  I 
got  into  the  good  graces  of  the  landlord  and  his  custom 
ers,  for  my  fife  and  my  songs  brought  many  a  one  of 
them  to  the  house  ;  and  this  was  a  good  thing  for  me, 
as  well  as  the  landlord,  for  many  a  sixpence  and 
shilling  I  -used  to  get  when  I  pleased  them  with, 
my  songs. 

"  Well,  things  went  on  in  this  way,  until  I  became  a 
man  of  big  importance,  for  I  sarved  the  landlord's  inte 
rest,  and  he,  to  make  it  up,  gave  me  all  his  old  clothes 
to  wear  out,  and  raised  my  wages,  and  got  me  a  place, 
sure  enough,  to  fife  for  the  York  Volunteers.  But  as 
the  saying  is,  there's  an  end  of  all  things  ;  so  my  good 
fortune  was  not  to  last  for  ever.  So  you  see,  gentlemen, 
I  was  one  day  at  dinner,  cutting  off  the  leavings  of  a 
leg  of  mutton  with  the  cook,  and  she  was  a  short,  thick, 
squabby,  red-faced,  one-eyed  Irish  gal. 

"  Says  she  to  me,  '  Sure  Misther  Pimple,  I've  been. 
-just  Sf  thinking  we  were  made  for  each  other.' 

"'Why?'  says  I. 


202  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER, 

"  *  Why,'  says  she, '  aren't  we  enuff  alike  to  be  moth* 
er's  son  and  darter.' 

"  '  Why  that  may  be,'  says  I. 

"  '  And  isn't  it  I,'  says  she,  '  that  saw  the  likeness 
the  moment  I  clapped  my  fut  in  these  doors.' 

"  *  Well,'  says  I,  '  we  may  be  something  alike,  ex 
cept,' —  and  then  I  put  my  finger  on  one  eye, — '  you 
know  what  I  mean,'  says  I. 

" '  Mane !  that  I  do ;  heaven  be  praised,  I  got  one 
lift;  and  sure,  Misther  Pimple,  aren't  three  eyes  be- 
twane  two  of  us  better  nor  none  at  all  ?  ' 

"  '  That's  very  true,'  says  I,  '  but  what  has  your  one 
eye  to  do  with  my  two  eyes  ?  ' 

"  *  Sure,'  says  she,  '  won't  you  be  afther  making  me 
spake  out.' 

"  '  0,  yes,'  says  I,  ' I'd  like  to  hear  it  alL' 

"  '  Well  then,'  says  she,  '  if  I  must,  I  must ;  and  to 
tell  ye  the  thruth,  ever  since  the  first  time  I  darkened 
these  doors,  and  heard  the  sound  of  your  whistle,  didn't 
it  go  to  my  heart,  and  when  ye  was  blowing  the  swate 
tune  of  Erin-go-bragh,  didn't  it  put  me  in  mind  of  the 
soil  where  I  was  bred  and  born.' 

" '  Did  it  though,'  says  I ;  ' that's  not  the  first '  time 
that  the  sound  of  my  fife  has  made  a  gal's  heart  jump, 
aye,  and  her  heels  too,  for  the  matter  of  that.' 

"'Sure,  Misther  Pimp,'  says  she,  'but  you're  a 
coaxer,'  and  here  Katy,  for  that  was  her  name,  begun  to 
be  very  melancholy. 

" '  Och !  sure  Misther  Pimp,  isn't  it  I  that's  getting 
tired  of  this  kind  of  life,  and  isn't  it  you  that  takes  up 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  208 

my  thoughts,  to  change  the  way  of  getting  my  bread.' 

"  '  Well,  Katy,'  says  I, '  what  kind  of  a  change  would 
you  like  ? ' 

"  '  That's  just  what  I'll  be  afther  telling  you ;  isn't  it 
I  that's  been  thinking  that  a  nate  little  room  would  be 
a  snug  way  of  getting  our  bread  together ;.  and  is  n't  it 
we  that  looks  like  two  pase,  that  it's  a  God's  pity  to  sep 
arate  us  ? ' 

"  '  Oh  ho !  Katy,'  says  I,  *  are  you  there?  but  how 
shall  we  fix  it  ?  ' 

"  *  God's  blessing  be  upon  you,  Misther  Pimp ;  but 
is'nt  it  I  that's  been  thinking  about  my  confession,  and 
won't  we  go  together,  and  afther  Father  O'Connor,  God 
bless  his  sow],  lias  pardoned  my  sins,  won't  we  just  be 
afther  asking  him  to  marry  us.'  Here  Katy  simpered 
and  laughed,  and  dropped  a  tear  out  of  one  eye,  while 
the  other  was  as  dry  as  a  powder  horn,  as  she  stam 
mered  out,  '  What's  your  mind  to  that,  Misther  Pimp  ?' 

"  *  Why,'  says  I '  that  would  be  a  change  of  life,  sure 
enough,  and  I  don't  think  it  would  be  a  very  bad  one ; 
so  Katy  laughed,  and  I  sung,  '  Come  haste  to  the  wed 
ding  ; '  and  so  after  we  fixed  the  night  for  confession,  we 
both  parted  very  happy. 

"  Well,  things  went  on  swimmingly  from  this  time, 
but  somehow  or  other  I  got  jealous  of  Katy,  for  the  sound 
of  my  fife  brought  the  grenadier  Irish  sodger  man  to  the 
tap-room,  and  so  he  scraped  'quaintance  with  Katy.  I 
could  see  it,  for  she  didn't  talk  much  after  this  about 
the  '  nate  little  room.'  Well,  the  night  came  on  that 
we  fixed  for  confession,  and  so  I  puts  my  best  clothes  on, 


204  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

and  goes  down  to  the  kitchen  for  Katy.  When  I  got 
in,  '  Are  you  there,  Misther  Pimp  ? '  says  she  ;  '  better 
late  nor  never.' 

"Just  as  I  was  going  to  say  something  to  her,  in 
walks  the  Irish  sodger  man. 

"  '  Good  avening,  Misthress  O'Flagherty.' 
"  '  Good  avening  to  ye,  Misther  O'Donegan.' 
"  '  How  is  it  wid  yer  health  this  avening?  '  said  he. 
"  '  Never  was  better,  be  God's  blessing,'  says  she. 
"  '  Sure,'  says  he,  '  don't  you  look  for  all  the  world 
like  Pegg  Me  Grath,  that  used  to  set  the  buther-milk 
and  petates  before  me,  afther  a  hard  day's  drill  in  Kill- 
kenny.' 

"  '  Isn't  it  I,'  says  Katy, '  that's  been  thinking  about 
swate  Ireland  ever  since  the  first  night  we  had  our  chat 
together.' 

"  Well,"  said  the  little  musician,  "  they  went  on, 
talking  about  swate  Ireland,  'till  I  thought  it  was  time 
to  go  to  confession  ;  then  says  I,  '  Katy,  have  you  for 
got  your  promise  ? ' 

"  '  Promise  ! '  says  she,  in  a  very  loud  voice,  '  is  it 

you  that  would  be  afther  insulting  a  vartuous  'oman, 

when  she's  talking  wid  a  gintleman  about  her  counthry  ?' 

"  '  Oh  no ! '  says  I,  '  but  then  this  is  the  night  you 

promised  to  go  to  confession.' 

"  '  Och  !  botheration,  not  a  word  of  it,  you  spalpeen.' 
"  *  Yes,'  says  I,  '  but  Katy  remember' — 
"  '  Remember  what  ?  '  she  bawled  out,  '  do  ye  mane 
to  say  and  tell  this  gintleman  here  that  I  am  not  a  var 
tuous  'oman,  ye   duck-legged,  pigeon-toed,' —  here   she 


THE    AMEKICAN     CRUISER.  205 

was  going  on  with  a  long  string  of  names,  and  I  looked 
round  and  saw  the  tall  grenadier  sodger  on  his  feet, 
coming  toward  me  with  a  fierce  look  in  his  face  ;  so  as 
the  door  was  very  near  and  the  time  for  confession  was 
now  too  late,  I  just  thought  I  would  back  out,  and  leave 
the  sodger  and  Katy  to  spend'  the  evening  together." 

The  listeners  to  Jimmy's  story  could  hold  in  no  lon 
ger  ;  and  when  he  had  finished  the  last  sentence,  they 
broke  out  into  a  roar  of  laughter.  When  silence  was 
restored,  they  questioned  Jimmy  as  to  his  future  opera 
tions. 

"  Well,"  continued  the  little  musician,  "  it  was  not 
long  after  this  that  Katy  and  the  grenadier  sodger 
went  to  confession,  and  Father  O'Conher  made  them 
man  and  wife ;  so  after  this,  I  got  somewhat  mel 
ancholy,  and  thinks  I  to  myself,  this  is  not  the  place  for 
me,  so  I'll  get  as  far  off  from  it  as  I  can ;  so,  gentle 
men,  as  the  war  made  a  great  talk,  and  as  I  couldn't 
think  of  remaining  longer  with  my  old  master,  I  thought 
I'd  try  my  luck  in  the  wars,  and  as  I  heard  great  talk 
about  this  vessel,  you  see,  gentlemen,  I  went  directly 
and  put  my  name  down  on  the  articles." 

When  the  little  musician  had  finished  his  narrative,  a 
score  of  voices  bawled  out  for  a  song.  Jimmy  complied 
with  the  request,  and  as  former  associations  were  called 
up,  to  use  his  own  language,  he  observed  he  would  sing 
to  drive  away  his  melancholy,  and  forthwith  struck  up 
the  famous  song  of  "  Hard,  hard  is  my  fate." 
18 


CHAPTER   XX. 

BOARDING  AT  NIGHT. 

THERE  is  no  service  connected  with  naval  warfare 
that  is  attended  with  so  much  peril  and  hazard  as  two 
vessels- in  collision,  boarding ;  but  when  this  service  is 
executed  in  the  night,  it  is  infinitely  more  hazardous, 
because  the  assailed  has  the  ad  vantage  of  concealment ; 
and  further,  if  the  actual  force  of  the  enemy  is  not 
correctly  ascertained,  it  is  always  considered  rashness 
to  attempt  it  unless  the  assailants  consist  of  a  much 
greater  force  than  the  repellants.  Many  instances 
during  the  war  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  position  here 
advanced.  The  following  is  one  instance  among  many 
others.  It  will  be  recollected  that  the  privateer  Prince 
de  Neufchatel,  Captain  Oudinot,  was  chased  into 
Nantucket  Roads  by  the  British  frigate  Endymion.« 
As  it  fell  calm,  the  privateer,  by  the  aid  of  the  sweeps, 
pulled  into  the  Roads  beyond  the  frigate's  guns  ;  she 
determined,  however,  to  carry  the  privateer  by  board 
ing.  Perceiving  the  disposition  of  the  frigate,  Captain 
Oudinot  made  every  preparation  for  a  determined 
and  spirited  resistance,  and  although  there  were  but 
twenty  men  on  board  of  the  privateer,  (as  they  had 
206 


!tHB    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  207 

sent  them  off  to  man  the  different  prizes,)  yet  the  un 
daunted  courage  of  Captain  Oudinot  and  his  men  did 
not  quail  at  the  very  superior  force  of  the  enemy. 
Seven  boats  from  the  frigate,  including  the  launch, 
were  manned  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  their 
choicest  seamen,  and  despatched  for  the  awful  conflict. 
Captain  Oudinot  took  the  precaution  to  have  the  priva 
teer  well  greased  all  round,  his  boarding  nettings 
triced  up,  and  every  port  closed  in;  he  then  cut 
holes  sufficiently  large  through  the  ports,  to  point  a 
musket  at  the  assailant.  A  match  was  then  lighted, 
and  it  was  unanimously  agreed  to  blow  up  the  privateer, 
rather  than  to  let  her  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
Englishmen. 

The  boats  of  the  frigate  came  boldly  up  to  the  con 
flict,  receiving  a  heavy  fire  of  round,  grape,  and  lan- 
grage  from  the  privateer's  guns,  which  completely  dis 
abled  two  boats  with  the  loss  of  many  lives.  Not  in 
the  least  daunted  by  this  severe  check,  and  now 
reduced  to  five  boats,  they  pulled  gallantly  alongside  of 
the  privateer,  when  a  most  desperate  and  sanguinary 
strife  ensued.  The  Englishmen  fought  to  desperation, 
but  every  attempt  to  gain  the  deck  was  met  and. 
repelled  with  great  loss  on  the  part  of  the  British, 
while  the  assailed  were  comparatively  secure  under 
the  shelter  of  the  bulwarks,  which  were  impervious 
to  the  musket  balls  and  pikes  of  the  assailants; 
many  of  them  were  shot  down  through  the  holes  made 
in  the  ports,  and  others,  in  attempting  to  climb  up  the 
sides,  were  either  piked,  or  from  their  inability  to  hold 


208  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

on,  (from  the  quantity  of  grease  on  the  sides,)  met 
their  fate  by  drowning.  I  had  this  report  from  a 
seaman  composing  one  of  the  crew  of  the  privateer, 
•who  assured  me  that  he  shot  and  piked  seven  English 
men  from  the  hawse-hole  of  the  privateer.  This  bloody 
battle  lasted  nearly  two  hours,  and  with  the  exception 
of  two  boats  belonging  to  the  English  frigate,  which 
made  their  way  back,  all  were  literally  cut  to  pieces, 
and  the  loss  of  life  on  the  part  of  the  British  was 
fearful,  while  that  of  the  Americans  was  comparatively 
small. 

Since  the  dash  at  the  fleet,  nothing  transpired  tc 
arouse  excitement,  or  to  drive  away  those  feelings  of 
uneasiness  which  had  gathered  around  the  officers  in 
the  wardroom.  They  were  not  long  destined,  however, 
to  remain  in  this  state  of  inactivity,  for  just  at  the  con 
clusion  of  one  of  those  meals,  the  coarseness  of  which 
generally  brought  on  some  angry  debate,  the  exciting 
cry  of  "  S-a-i-1  h-o !  "  was  heard  from  the  mast-head, 
and  soon  the  boatswain's  pipe  sounded  "  A-l-1  h-a-n-d-s 
m-a-k-e  s-a-i-1  a-h-o-y ! "  In  a  very  short  time  the 
Cruiser  was  under  a  cloud  of  canvass,  and  her  course 
on  the  trail  of  the  stranger.  !Fhe  necessary  inquiries 
were  now  made,  such  as,  "  How  far  is  she  off?  "  "  What 
does  she  look  like?"  &c.,  to  all  of  which  interroga 
tories  the  masthead-man  replied,  viz.  "  that  she  was 
scarcely  discernible  from  the  topgallant-yard,  and  as  to 
her  character  or  her  course,  he  could  give  no  definite 
answer."  As  the  day  had  now  advanced,  and  as  the 
hour  was  one  o'clock,  P.  M.,  it  was  a  matter  of  great 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  209 

uncertainty,  unless  there  was  great  disparity  in  the 
sailing  of  the  two  vessels,  whether  they  could  overhaul 
her  before  night. 

The  greatest  anxiety  prevailed  throughout  the 
Cruiser,  for  an  hour  had  passed  away,  and  no  percep 
tible  difference  was  discovered  in  the  relative  distance 
of  the  chase,  and  hope,  which  had  animated  the  coun 
tenances  of  the  crew,  now  settled  into  a  kind  of  des 
pondency,  for  the  most  sanguine  on  board  well  knew 
that  it  would  be  impossible  to  ascertain  her  character 
before  night,  consequently  fears  were  entertained 
she  would  elude  the  vigilance  of  the  Cruiser  under  its 
cover.  Add  to  this,  the  wind  now  blew  stiffly  at 
W.  S.  W.,  and  the  weather  wore-  a  very  threatening 
aspect ;  heavy  clouds  rose  up  in  enormous  piles  in  the 
western  board,  and  the  scud  was  driven  rapidly  to  the 
eastward  by  the  increasing  gale,  while  the  mist  and 
rain,  were  driven  along  by  fitful  gusts,  which  ever  and 
anon  blew  with  violence.  The  sea,  which  until  this 
time  had  been  comparatively  smooth,  rose  to  a  con 
siderable  height,  heaving  up  heavy  black  masses  of 
water,  while  the  crested  billows  on  the  top  broke,  and 
the  dashing  foam,  with  silvery  light,  sparkled  amid  the 
angry  element.  The  light  sails  were  all  taken  in,  and 
the  Cruiser  bounded  over  the  waves,  with  the  rapidity 
of  a  fiery  courser  that  had  been  urged  to  his  utmost 
speed,  and  the  spars  groaned  and  bent,  as  if  unequal 
to  the  torture  of  bearing  the  immense  press  of  canvass, 
and  threatened  every  moment  by  their  overburdened 
weight,  either  to  capsize  the  Cruiser,  or  go  by  the  board. 
18* 


210  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

The  mist  had  by  this  time  enveloped  the  Cruiser,  and 
the  violence  of  the  wind  had  driven  it  far  to  leeward, 
so  that  the  stranger  could  not  be  seen.     Sail  after  sail 
was  taken  in,  as  the  gale  increased  in  violence,  and  all 
hopes  were  now  at  an  end  of  overhauling  the  chase,  as  it 
became  a  matter  of  necessity  to  get  the  Cruiser  away 
before  night,  and  even  should  it  clear  away,  it  would 
be  impossible  to  range  alongside  of  the  stranger,  as  the 
collision  would  endanger  both  the  vessels  and  the  lives 
of  the  crews.     Hour  after  hour  rolled  away,  while  the 
tempest  increased   in  fury,  the  rain  fell  in  torrents, 
and  the  vision  was   entirely  obscured   by  the   heavy 
mist  which  had  now  completely  surrounded  the  vast 
expanse  of  waters  and  the  whole  horizon.     After  the 
canvass  had  been  reduced,  and  the  light  spars  sent 
down  from  aloft,  and  the  Cruiser  nearly  stripped  of  her 
dress  to  bear  up  under  the  contending  elements,  a  con 
sultation  was  held  by  the  Commander  and  first  lieu 
tenant  in  regard  to  the  best  method  of  proceeding,  so 
as  to  keep  (if  possible,)  within  sight  of  the  stranger, 
and  be  prepared,  should  the  mist  clear  away,  and  the 
gale  break,  to  renew  the  chase,  and  ascertain  her  char 
acter.     As  the  Cruiser  was  that  day  hi  the  latitude  of 
the  Capes  of  Lisbon,  and  as  the  stranger  was  steering 
away  to  the   eastward,  it  was   thought  by  the  Com 
mander,  that  she  might  be  a  licensed  vessel  bound  to 
the  south  of  Europe  with  supplies  for  the  troops  on  the 
Peninsula.     His  counsel,  therefore,  was  to  keep  the 
Cruiser  on  the  same  course  that  she  was  steering  when 
she  lost  sight  of  the  stranger.     The  first  lieutenant  dis- 


AMERICAN    CRUISER.  211 

sented  from  this  opinion,  intimating  that  she  must  b,e 
some  running  ship,  well  manned  and  armed,  and  the 
truth  of  this  position,  he  affirmed,  was  scarcely  to  be 
doubted,  from  the  fact  of  her  superior  sailing. 

After  various  opinions  had  been  given,  it  was  re 
solved  to  steer  away  to  the  eastward,  keeping  as  near 
as  possible  on  the  same  course,  as  when  the  stranger 
was  last  seen.  Night  now  came  on,  and  brought  with 
it  no  cessation  of  the  tempest ;  the  wind  blew  in  strong 
gusts,  and  with  frightful  intonations  that  shrieked 
through  the  blocks  and  rigging,  as  if  proclaiming  the 
funeral  dirge  of  the  Cruiser  and  her  crew.  It  was 
just  as  eight  bells  were  struck,  before  the  com 
mencement  of  the  first  watch  at  night,  that  the  wind 
shifted  suddenly  to  the  northwest,  and  blew  with  re 
doubled  violence.  The  cross  sea  occasioned  by  this 
sudden  interruption  of  the  southwester,  had  well  nigh 
proved  fatal  to  the  Cruiser.  As  it  was,  the  reefed  sail, 
(which  was  the  only  sail  set,)  was  blown  away  from  the 
bolt-rope,  and  the  craft  was  kept  before  the  wind  to  the 
southeast,  while  the  dashing  foam,. from  the  effect  of 
both  winds,  broke  with  a  violent  concussion  over  the 
Cruiser's  decks,  and  she  scud  away  four  hours  before 
the  fury  of  the  tempest,  at  the  rate  of  twelve  knots. 
The  hopes  that  were  entertained  a  few  hours  before  the 
commencement  of  this  gale  of  taking  a  fat  prize,  were 
now  entirely  banished  from  every  mind,  and  unless  the 
stranger  had  taken  the  same  squall  in  the  same  way, 
and  its  violence  obliged  her  to  keep  before  the  wind, 
there  did  not  seem  to  be  any  probability  that  the 


212  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

Cruiser  would  fall  in  with  her  again.  As  soon  as  the 
violence  of  the  northwester  had  abated,  and  a  new  fore 
sail  bent,  the  Cruiser  was  hauled  up  again  to  the  east 
ward.  The  heavy  cloud,  which  until  this  time  had  risen 
up  in  the  western  board,  now  lifted  from  the  horizon, 
and  a  long  line  of  blue  sky  stretched  far  away,  and  the 
northwestern  scud  rolled  along  rapidly,  settling  away  to 
the  eastward.  At  midnight  the  wind  lessened  to  a 
moderate  gale,  the  sky  was  perfectly  clear  and  cloud 
less,  and  the  heavens  were  dressed  with  innumerable 
glittering  stars  and  planets,  while  the  whole  scene  pre 
sented  a  widely  different  aspect,  from  the  former  part 
of  the  night. 

At  daybreak  in  the  morning,  the  sea  was  compara 
tively  smooth,  although  the  wind  still  blew  stiffly  from 
the  northwest.  As  soon  as  the  mist  cleared  away,  and 
the  horizon  well-defined,  the  look-out  at  the  mast-head 
sung  out,  "  S-a-i-1  h-o !  far  away  on  the  starboard 
beam."  Whether  this  was  the  same  vessel  or  not 
which  was  seen  the  previous  day,  could  not  be  deter 
mined  from  the  immense  distance  that  she  was  off. 
The  Cruiser,  however,  was  immediately  hauled  on  the 
wind  in  chase,  and  sail  after  sail  was  packed  on,  and 
such  was  the  rapidity  with  which  she  flew  over  the  bil 
lows,  that  in  less  than  an  hour,  it  w#s  clearly  ascer 
tained  that  the  stranger  was  a  ship  standing  to  the 
eastward.  Nothing  could  exceed  the  joy  and  excite 
ment  of  the  crew,  for  although  the  stranger  forereached 
rapidly,  yet  from  her  appearance  and  manoeuvres,  the 
practised  eye  of  a  seaman  could  not  be  mistaken  as  to 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  213 

her  character.  The  appearance  of  her  canvass,  how 
ever,  did  not  indicate  her  to  be  an  Englishman,  and  the 
general  opinion  was  the  same  as  that  expressed  by  the 
Commander  on  the  previous  day,  viz.  that  she  was  a 
licensed  vessel  bound  to  the  South  of  Europe.  At 
meridian,  although  the  relative  distance  of  the  two 
vessels  was  somewhat  lessened,  yet  it  was  not  sufficient 
to  warrant  the  belief  or  hope  that  she  could  be  either 
overhauled,  or  so  near  a  proximity  as  to  ascertain 
her  character.  This  opinion  was  corroborated  at  sun 
set,  as  she  was  then  judged  to  be  five  miles  distant. 
Before  darkness  had  overspread  the  hemisphere,  the 
bearings  of  the  stranger  were  correctly  taken,  and  the 
night  being  perfectly  deaf  .and  cloudless,  and  the 
horizon  being  well  defined,  objects  could  be  seen  at 
considerable  distance,  especially  with  the  aid  of  a  night 
glass,  and  they  did  not  fail  to  put  this  in  requisition. 
At  ten,  P.  M.,  the  indefatigable  gaze  was  rewarded 
by  the  sight  of  the  stranger  holding  on  her  course  to 
the  eastward.  As  the  wind  had  now  fallen  off  to  a 
moderate  breeze,  and  the  sea  was  smooth,  it  was  deter 
mined  by  unanimous  consent,  to  risk  an  action,  or  board 
her  in  the  night,  lest  under  its  cover  she  might  again 
take  advantage  and  slip  out  of  their  hands.  Every 
preparation  therefore  was  made  for  action,  and  all 
were  resolutely  determined  to  capture  this  ship,  if  she 
proved  to  be  an  Englishman. 

A  stern  chase  is  a  long  chase,  and  it  was  not  until 
after  midnight  that  the  Cruiser  was  in  speaking  distance 
with  Long  Tom.  This  message  had  the  desired  effect, 


214  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEB. 

•for  she  immediately  rounded  to,  with  her  topsail  to  the 
mast.  The  Cruiser  ranged  up  boldly,  (her  topsails  and 
top-gallantsails  being  furled,  and  the  yards  braced  fore 
and  aft,  so  that  they  might  not  lock  in  with  the  yards 
of  the  ship,)  under  the  lee  of  the  vessel,  which  was  im 
mediately  grappled*  After  hailing,  and  receiving  an 
indistinct  answer,  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser  shouted 

"  Boarders,  away !  " 

Again  the  young  seaman,  with  his  faithful  friend, 
the  boatswain,  led  on,  followed  by  thirty  desperate  men. 
They  were,  however,  much  astonished  to  find  them 
selves  on  the  deck  of  an  unarmed  vessel,  without  encoun 
tering  any  opposition,  and  this  astonishment  was  in 
creased,  when  they  learned*that  it  was  an  American 
ship,  bound,  as  was  conjectured  previously,  to  the  south 
of  Europe.  The  crew  were  immediately  remanded  on 
board  of  the  Cruiser,  with  the  exception  of  the  second 
lieutenant  and  a  few  men,  who  were  ordered  to  remain 
on  board  during  the  night,  and  keep  within  hail  of  the 
Cruiser. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  to  state  here,  that  during  the 
war  with  England,  the  Peninsula  or  the  south  of 
Europe,  was  the  great  theatre  of  war,  between  the 
French  and  the  allied  armies  of  England,  Portugal  and 
Spain.  The  loss  of  the  great  resources  of  supplies 
from  America,  from  the  fact  that  the  two  powers 
were  in  collision,  was  severely  felt,  and  in  conse 
quence,  the  British  Government  issued  licenses  to 
American  vessels,  for  the  purpose  not  only  of  re 
ceiving  supplies  of  provisions,  but  also  to  protect  them 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  215 

from  capture  by  their  own  men-of-war.  Now  as  this  li 
censed  trade  on  the  part  of  the  British  was  not  recog 
nized  by  the  American  Government  to  be  lawful, 
all  such  vessels  were  good  prizes  in  the  event  of 
its  being  ascertained  that  they  sailed  under  the  Brit 
ish  license. 

Now  this  ship  was  strongly  suspected  by  the  Com 
mander  of  the  Cruiser  to  be  of  this  character,  although 
the  captain  roundly  affirmed  that  no  such  license  was  on 
board,  and  that  his  merchants  chose  to  incur  this  great 
risk.  In  the  examination  of  the  ship's  papers  every 
thing  appeared  to  be  correct  as  the  captain  had  stated, 
but  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser  was  not  satisfied,  and 
immediately  instituted  a  diligent  search  for  the  license. 
After  a  long  and  most  tedious  investigation  of  some 
hours  in  every  part  of  the  ship  that  was  -comeatable,  it 
was  at  length  found  concealed  between  the  upper  and 
lower  parts  of  the  anchor-stock.  Every  doubt,  therefore, 
was  now  dispelled  as  to  her  true  character,  and  of  course 
she  was  taken  possession  of,  manned,  and  ordered  to  the 
United  States.  The  capture  of  this  ship,  the  indefati 
gable,  long  chase,  the  daring  act  of  boarding  in  the 
night,  but  especially  the  correct  opinion  of  the  Comman 
der  in  regard  to  the  character  of  the  ship,  and  whence 
she  was  bound,  all  conspired  to  induce  a  respect 
for  the  opinion  of  the  Commander,  as  well  as  to  reinstate 
him  in  a  great  degree  to  the  confidence  of  the  officers 
and  crew. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE  YOUNG  SEAMAN'S  NARRATIVE  CONTINUED. 

IF  a  spectator  could  have  stood  on  some  high  pin 
nacle,  and  observed  the  movements  of  the  Cruiser,  he 
would  immediately  have  pronounced  that  she  had  no 
positive  or  certain  destination,  for  she  presented  a  very 
different  appearance  at  this  tune  from  what  she  had 
the  day  previous,  when  she  was  completely  dressed  in 
a  cloud  of  canvass,  bounding  over  the  billows  like  an 
ocean  bird,  or  like  a  race-horse  at  his  full  speed,  in  chase 
of  the  enemy.  The  low  canvass  with  which  she  was 
now  dressed  was  scarcely  sufficient  to  keep  her  steady, 
and  prevent  her  from  rolling  to  windward.  The  un 
mindful  helmsman,  careless  of  the  course,  while  the 
officer  of  the  deck  was  discoursing  upon  the  events  of 
the  past  day,  took  little  notice  of  the  craft  as  she  fell  off 
and  came  to  alternately,  with  a  sweep  that  would  have 
encircled  nearly  half  the  compass. 

It  Avas  a  matter  now  of  great  curiosity  and  specula 
tion  what  plan  of  operations  the  skipper  would  next  pur 
sue.  Several  rumors  were  afloat,  one  of  which  was  that 
the  present  cruising  ground  did  not  warrant  a  farther 
delay,  and  that  a  position  at  the  entrance  of  the  Irish 
216 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  217 

Channel  was  intended  for  future  operations.  Another 
rumor  reported  that  she  -was  forthwith  to  run  hi  for  the 
land,  to  the  northward  of  the  Capes  of  Lisbon.  They 
were  not,  however,  to  remain  long  in  doubt,  for  the 
morning  after  the  events  recorded  in  the  preceding 
chapter,  the  Cruiser  was  kept  away  to  make  the  land, 
and  before  night  the  southern  coast  of  Europe  was  seen 
at  the  distance  of  twelve  leagues.  At  sunset  her  head 
was  laid  off  shore  under  easy  sail. 

It  was  one  of  those  peculiarly  bland  nights,  which  not 
only  invites  every  seaman  on  deck,  but  also  conspires  to 
banish  from  his  thoughts,  (at  least  for  the  time  being,) 
past  events,  or  the  hardships  and  perils  of  an  ocean  life. 
The  decks  presented  an  unusual  exhibition  of  cheerful 
ness,  and  with  present  feelings,  the  past  was  merged 
and  forgotten. 

"  HOAV  light  and  buoyant  are  the  hearts  of  these  reck 
less  beings,"  observed  the  young  seaman  to  the  boat 
swain  ;  "the  smallest  excitement  would  immediately 
change  this  state  of  feeling,  and  then  you  would  behold 
the  wild  propensities  so  often  shown  by  them  in  this 
craft." 

"Why  as  for  the  matter  of  that,"  replied  the  boat 
swain,  "  I've  sailed  in  all  kinds  of  crafts,  but  in  all  my 
going  to  sea  I  never  was  cooped  up  with  •  such  a  set  of 
soldiers  as  we  have  on  board  of  this  craft ;  and  I'll  tell 
you  what,  messmate,  between  you  and  I,  I  don't  care 
how  quick  this  cruise  is  up,  for  what  with  our  skipper, 
and  this  crew,  I  don't  think  much  good  '11  come  on't  at 
last.  But  come,  you  havn't  finished  that  yarn  of 
19 


218  "TOE    AMERICAN    CBUISEK. 

yours,  and  I'd  just  like  to  know  how  you  come  on  with 
your  box  of  diamonds ;  so  as  we  've  got  four  hours  OL 
deck,  just  spin  out  some  of  that  yarn." 
•    The  young  seaman  complied  with  the  request  of  the 
boatswain  as  follows  : 

"  Every  day  brought  with  it  renewed  proofs  of  the 
affection  of  my  parents,  and  I  strove  with  the  most  anx 
ious  solicitude  not  only  to  cultivate  those  good  feel 
ings  toward  me,  but  also  by  attentions  to  their  com 
fort,  to  banish  from  their  minds  the  melancholy  reflec 
tions  of  the  past.  Alas!  although  my  father  had 
striven  to  bear  with  fortitude  the  wreck  of  his  fallen  for 
tune,  and  although  he  exerted  himself  to  appear  cheer 
ful  and  happy,  yet  being  naturally  of  a  delicate  constitu 
tion,  the  blow  he  had  received  was  too  much,  and  in 
spite  of  all  his  endeavors  at  concealment,  it  soon  became 
apparent  that  there  was  a  worm  at  the  root  of  the 
gourd,  preying  rapidly  upon  his  vitals  ;  the  hectic  flush, 
cough,  short  breath,  and  decaying  frame,  were  symp 
toms  that  could  not  be  mistaken.  Week  after  week 
rolled  away,  and  those  indications  of  pulmonary  con 
sumption  now  settled  into  a  fixed  reality.  The  trem 
bling  frame  of  my  father,  and  his  great  weakness, 
obliged  him  to  confine  himself  to  the  bed.  My  dear 
mother  seldom  left  his  room,  and  I  watched  over  him 
with  feelings  that  can  be  more  easily  imagined  than 
described.  The  best  medical  aid  was  procured,  but  the 
physicians  soon  pronounced  his  case  to  be  hopeless. 
When  their  decisions  were  communicated  to  my  mother, 
it  had  well  nigh  proved  fatal ;  as  it  was,  the  shock  took 


THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER. 

So  deep  a  root,  that  it  gradually  preyed  upon  her  con 
stitution,  and  she  never  recovered. 

"  Our  mansion  at  this  time  presented  a  scene  of  with 
ering  gloom,  and  when  busy  reflection  stole  over 
my  mind,  like  a  guilty  culprit  I  stood  condemned 
as  being  the  author  of  all  these  woes.  My  father 
lingered  for  two  months,  retaining  all  his  faculties,  and 
when  sufficiently  strong,  he  conversed  freely.  The  uni 
form  tendency  of  his  conversation  was  his  perfect  recon 
ciliation  to  me,  and  resignation  to  his  approaching 
death.  At  length  nature  gave  way,  and  after  a 
few  days  of  intense  suffering,  during  which  I  never  left 
his  bed-side,  just  before  the  hour  of  midnight,  with  a 
strong  effort  and  my  assistance,  he  was  raised  on  the 
pillow,  and  placing  his  hand  upon  my  head,  he  pro 
nounced  the  blessing  of  a  dying  father  ^to  his  only  son, 
and  immediately  expired  without  a  groan.  The  scene 
which  now  took  place  was  too  much  for  the  fortitude  of 
my  mother  or  myself;  she  was  carried  out  of  the  room 
in  a  situation  that  nearly  deprived  her  of  her  senses ; 
and  even  when  the  paroxysms  of  grief  had  subsided,  a 
settled  despondency  made  hef  almost  insensible  to  this 
severe  trial. 

"  After  two  days,  the  remains  of  my  father  were  placed 
in  his  last  silent  retreat,  and  it  now  became  necessary 
to  watch  with  tender  care  over  the  declining  health  of 
my  only  remaining  parent.  Oh !  my  friend,  when  I 
look  back  upon  those  times,  when  I  contemplate  the 
latter  days  and  settled  melancholy  of  my  mother,  and 
the  old  family  mansion  shrouded  in  gloom,  when  reflec- 


220  THE    AMERICAN     CRUISER. 

tions  of  this  '•  nature  stamp  me  as  being  the  authoi 
of  those  scenes  of  ruin  and  death,  my  thoughts  quite 
overpower  me,  although  years  have  passed  away  since 
they  took  place." 

"  Come,  come,"  said  the  boatswain,  "  if  you  keep  on 
with  this  kind  of  a  yarn  much  longer,  my  head-pumps 
will  give  way." 

"  You  shall  hear  it  all,"  observed  the  young  seaman 
mournfully,  "  and  then  my  poor  heart  will  be  relieved. 
The  gloom  and  despondency  which  had  gathered  round 
my  mother,  brought  with  it  a  gradual  decay ;  and  al 
though  there  Avas  no  disease,  yet  it  was  evident  that 
nature  could  not  bear  up  under  the  severe  shock  she 
had  received.  Why  should  I  multiply  words  upon  these 
mournful  events  ?  Know  then,  my  friend,  that  three 
months  after  the  death  of  my  father,  I  followed  the 
remains  of  my  honored  mother  to  the  silent  tomb. 
Every  scene  and  circumstance  which  was  presented  to 
me,  called  up  associations  of  the  most  painful  and 
melancholy  kind,  and  I  resolved  to  settle  the  affairs  of 
my  father,  and  bid  adieu  for  ever  to  the  place  of  my 
nativity. 

"  Although  I  became  nearly  indifferent  to  every  thing 
connected  with  the  place  of  my  birth,  yet  there  was  one 
object  that  hung  about  my  heart,  and  which  even 
my  indifference  could  not  shake  off.  This  was  no 

other  than   E ;   and  as   parental   ties  were   now 

severed,  I  soon  found  that  my  passion  for  her  became 
stronger  and  more  intense.  I  resolved,  therefore,  to 
obtain  another  interview,  and  learn  from  her  own  de- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

cision,  whether  she  would  at  some  future  period  unite 
her  happiness  and  fortune  with  one  who  had  rendered 
himself  unworthy  of  her  esteem.     In  a  few  days  this 
meeting  took  place,  and  although  I  did  not  receive  fror 
her  own  lips  the  undisguised  sentiments  of  love,  yet  the 
assent  to  my  proposition  was  not  entirely  withheld.     In 
short,  she  nattered  my  hopes  with  expressions  of  kind 
ness,  which   my  fond   heart    construed   favorably, 
mentioned  to  her  my  intentions  of  quitting  W       - 
for  ever ;   that    the   grave    contained   all  that  coul< 
bind  me   to   the   place  where   every  spot  would  call 
forth  remembrances  of  my  past  follies;  adding,  that 
on  the  broad  theatre  of  the  world,  I  would  seek  in  a 
distant  land  some  honorable  employment,  and  not  only 
wipe  away  the  blot  that  had  stained  my  reputation- 
At  this  point  of  the  conversation  E-  -  suddenly  ex 
claimed, 

«  '  And  are  there  no  objects  sufficiently  attractive 
induce   you   to   have  one  lingering  wish   or  desire  I 

remain.' 

«  '  Oh  yes ! '  I  replied  passionately,  '  but  I  dare 
hope  even  for  pity,  much  less  affection  ;  and  yet  were  I 
now  assured  that  I  might  hope  that  the  sentiments  of 
my  heart  were  returned,  even  then  I  would  tear  myseU 
away,  painful    as   the  struggle  might  be,  until 
raised  my  character  to  the  point  from  which  it  has 
fallen.     Never,  0  never  ! '  I  continued,  « will  I  harbor 
the  unjust  thought,  wish,  or  desire,  that  a  fair  fame 
and  unsullied  reputation  should  unite  with  the  fortunes 
of  one   at  whom  the   finger  of  scorn-and  contumely  ii 
19- 


222  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

pointed.  Only  then  let  me  hear  from  your  own  lips> 
that  when  oceans  shall  roll  between  us,  an  obscure  wan 
derer  may  have  a  place  in  your  thoughts.  I  would  have 
asked  a  larger  boon,  and  yet  I  dare  not.  Tell  me  then 

ere  we  part,  dearest  E ,  that  you  do  not  hate  me, 

and  this,  even  this,  will  cause  my  heart  to  beat  with 

j°y-' 

"  I  had  now  disclosed  not  only  my  resolution,  but 

also  my  passion  for  E ,  when  she  falteringly  re- 

plied  that  the  friendship  which  had  so  long  existed  be 
tween  us  should  not  cease  so  long  as  so  high  and  hon 
orable  a  decision  was  manifested  on  my  part.  This  de 
claration  was  expressed  with  much  -warmth,  and  placing 
my  hand  in  hers  without  being  repulsed,  I  ventured 
for  the  first  time  to  place  it  on  my  heart.  For  a  few 
moments  not  a  word  was  spoken  by  either  of  us,  but  it 
was  a  silence  that  spoke  more  eloquently  than  the 
warmest  words  of  the  fondest  lovers.  It  was  a  moment 
in  which  my  future  hopes  were  decided. 

" '  Promise  me,'  she  passionately  exclaimed,  '  an 
other  interview,  and  take  back  the  word  forever,  which 
still  painfully  grates  on  my  ear/ 

"  My  former  resolutions,  at  this  request,  were  imme 
diately  shaken,  and  I  gave  the  promise.  Three  days 
intervened,  at  the  expiration  of  which  I  found  myself 

enjoying  the  delightful  interview  requested  by  E ; 

and  unlike  the  former  part  of  the  last  meeting,  (which 
was  marked  with  a  degree  of  reserve  and  restraint,) 
our  sentiments  mutually  expressed  the  ardor  of  that  love 
which  was  founded  on  friendship  and  esteem.  It  was 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  223 

then  and  there  that  we  plighted  ojpr  mutual  vows  of 
constancy,  for  she  did  not  solicit  a  change  of  the 
former  part  of  my  resolution. 

"  Oh !  my  friend,  how  uncertain  are  all  things 
on  earth.  How  little  did  I  then  suppose  that  this 
would  be  our  last  meeting.  Oh !  let  me  banish  for 
ever  the  thought,  that  we  shall  never  meet  again.  Yes, 
thou  dear  departed  saint  of  virtue,  pure  love,  and  con 
stancy,  thou  art  happy  in  that  bright  world,  where  the 
blighting  mildew  of  sorrow  can  never  wither  or  in 
terrupt  the  joys  of  eternal  felicity.  But  my  feelings 
have  been  quite  in  advance  of  my  history." 

"  Aye,  aye,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  and  my  feel 
ings,  d'  ye  see,  have  got  the  better  of  my  manhood,  and 
I  just  find  myself  blubbering  as  if  I  had  lost  my 
senses.  Come,  come,  messmate,  I  don't  much  wonder 
that  you  buy  trouble  ahead,  for  I  think  you  've  had  a 
pretty  good  share  of  it  any  how,  but  we  've  got  an  hour 
yet  before  eight  bells,  so  get  on  with  your  yarn,  for 
somehow  or  other  I  want  to  hear  t!he  end  on't." 

"  This  meeting,"  continued  the  young  seaman,  "  was 
all  that  the  purest  affection,  and  love,  could  have 
desired.  Our  separation  can  be  more  easily  conceived 
than  described.  Suffice  it  .to  say,  we  exchanged 
the  parting  adieu.  The  struggle  was  now  over, 
and  I  hastened  to  my  lodgings,  with  a  resolution 
to  make  all  possible  despatch 'for  my  departure.  It  did 
not  require  much  time,  for  all  my  affairs  were  settled, 
and  I  found  myself,  after  paying  all  the  claims 
of  my  father's  affairs,  reduced  to  very  straitened  cir- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


cumstances,  homeless,  and  about  to  become  a  wanderer 
without  any  clear  destination.  The  next  morning,  I 

bade  adieu  to  W ,  and  soon  arrived  at  B ,  one 

of  the  great  seaports  of  our  country.  Here  I  deter 
mined  to  embrace  the  first  honorable  calling  that  pre 
sented.  With  these  resolutions  I  made  diligent  enquiry, 
and  for  some  tune  was  baifled  in  my  pursuit.  At 
length,  however,  when  every  effort  failed  to  procure 
employment  on  shore,  I  resolved  to  try  my  fortune  on 
the  great  deep.  On  this  theatre  I  hoped  (from  my 
education  and  a  determination  to  excel  in  the  pro 
fession,)  soon  to  acquire  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  sea 
manship  and  navigation,  and  a  reputation  also,  that 
would  ensure  confidence,  and  of  course  would  lead  both 
to  profit  and  honor.  Very  soon  there  was  an  oppor 
tunity  afforded  to  put  this  resolution  into  practice,  and 
I  shipped  before  the  mast  on  board  of  an  East  Indiainan 
bound  to  China.  It  will  be  needless,  my  friend,  to 
enter  into  all  the  details  connected  with  the  duty  of  a 
green  hand,  or  of  the  circumstances  of  the  voyage.  It 
will  be  sufficient  to  say,  that  I  entered  upon  the  duties 
of  my  station,  with  the  determined  ambition  and  perse 
verance  of  one  whose  only  motive  is  to  excel ;  and  al 
though  there  were  many  sacrifices  which  often  mortified 
my  pride,  yet  the  powerful  stimulus  always  before  me, 
made  every  sacrifice  a  pleasure,  sweetened  every  toil, 
and  when  danger  or  peril  was  to  be  surmounted,  my 
pride  and  ambition  prompted  me  on  in  the  foremost 
rank.  It  is  true  that  I  claim  no  merit,  for  I  was 
urged  by  a  motive  that  would  have  roused  the 


THE    AMERICAN    CRtlSER.  225 

most  indifferent ;  and  unfortunately,  though  innocently, 
I  became  the  victim  of  jealousy  in  my  honest  endeavors 
to  excel,  for  by  the  time  we  arrived  in  Canton,  I  had 
acquired  a  pretty  good  knowledge  of  seamanship,  so  far 
as  the  practical  duties  of  a  ship  are  concerned.  This, 
and  unremitted  attention  to  every  command,  obtained 
for  me  the  esteem  and  approbation  of  the  officers.  Here 
too  a  further  opportunity  presented  itself  of  attaining 
to  that  degree  of  seamanship  which  is  necessary  to 
command.  The  ship  was  here  stripped  to  a  girtline, 
every  yard  and  spar  was  also  overhauled,  as  well  as  the 
standing  rigging.  This  was  of  great  service  to  me,  for 
I  learned  more  of  seamanship  on  this  voyage,  than 
half  a  dozen  European  voyages  could  have  afforded 
me ;  so  that  when  it  was  concluded,  (although  it 
took  but  twelve  months  for  its  completion,)  I  was  con 
sidered  competent  to  fill  an  officer's  berth  ;  but  as  yet  I 
regarded  my  own  deficiencies  too  great,  and  resolved  to 
make  another  voyage  to  India  before  I  assumed  any 
command. 

"  On  my  return  to  the  United  States,  I  wrote  imme 
diately  to  her  who  had  now  become  dear  as  life  itself  to 
me,  and  received  an  answer  such  as  may  be  imagined 
and  desired  by  those  who  have  been  placed  under 
similar  circumstances.  In  this  letter  (which  I  have 
now  in  my  possession,)  there  is  a  repetition  of  that 
pledge  of  love  and  constancy  which  we  mutually 
plighted  at  our  last  meeting.  In  it  there  are  the 
warmest  breathings  of  refined  and  virtuous  affection,  as 
well  as  frequent  cautions  that  my  zeal  and  ambition 


226  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

should  not  exceed  the  bounds  of  prudence  and  dis 
cretion  ;  aye,  and  these  were  solicited  not  only  for 
mine,  but  also  her  own  happiness." 

When  the  young  seaman  had  reached  this  part  of  his 
narrative,  eight  bells  were  struck,  and  the  watch  was* 
piped  below. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

THE  SCOTCH  PRIZE. 

DURING  the  whole  night  the  Cruiser  stood  off  shore 
under  easy  sail,  and  it  was  confidently  expected  that 
by  her  proximity  to  the  land,  she  would  fall  in  with 
vessels  bound  to  the  westward  or  to  the  northward.  At 
daybreak  the  look-outs  were  at  their  stations  at  the 
mast-head.  It  was  one  of  those  clear  days  which  sel 
dom  appears  on  the  southern  coast  of  Europe,  in  the 
month  of  November.  The  sun  rose  from  beneath  a 
well  defined  horizon,  and  as  it  ascended  into  the  azure 
vault,  its  bright  rays  reflecting  on  the  clouds,  exhibited 
a  rich  drapery  in  every  variety  of  color,  such  as  the 
pencilings  of  no  human  skill  could  imitate.  The  wind 
was  light,  the  sea  smooth,  and  in  short,  it  was  not  only 
one  of  those  mornings  which  are  so  grateful  to  a  seaman, 
but  also  from  its  peculiar  mildness  and  clearness,  objects 
might  be  seen  at  their  greatest  distance  by  the  sail 
or's  strengthened  vision.  In  vain,  however,  did  the 
practised  eye  of  the  look-out  scrutinize  the  whole  hori 
zon  ;  in  vain  did  he  try  to  fix  his  intent  gaze  upon  any 
definite  object,  for  the  land  was  now  beyond  the  reach 
of  his  keen  glance,  and  no  sail  appeared  in  sight  to  stimu. 

227 


>A 


228  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

late  and  excite  the  keen  appetites  of  the  expectant  but 
now  disappointed  officers  and  crew. 

"  Mast  head,  there  !  "  bellowed  out  the  officer  of  the 
watch,  "  is  there  nothing  in  sight  ?  " 

The  reply  was  in  the  negative,  and  the  officer  mut 
tered  out  something  about  having  wool  in  his  eyes,  and 
then  ordered  an  old  quarter-master,  who  had  served 
long  on  board  of  a  man-of-war,  to  go  aloft  and  take  a 
thorough  look-out.  The  old  seaman  went  aloft,  but  his 
observation  resulted  with  no  better  success,  for  his  an 
swer  to  the  interrogatory  of  the  officer  was,  that  it  was 
as  clear  as  a  kitten's  eye,  and  that  nothing  was  in  sight. 
By  this  time  the  officers  and  crew  were  on  deck,  and 
their  chagrin  was  so  great  that  they  swore  at  this  rate 
they  would  all  starve  to  death,  if  they  kept  dodging 
about  on  this  cruising  ground  any  longer. 

The  Cruiser  was  still  kept  with  her  head  off  shore, 
under  easy  sail,  and  the  calculation  by  the  intelligent 
sailing-master,  (for  it  will  be  remembered  that  all  his 
calculations  were  made  by  guessing,)  was,  that  the  land 
was  fifty  miles  distant  that  morning,  for  as  he  affirmed 
that  he  had  not  worked  up  the  log,  he  guessed  he  was 
pretty  near  right.  The  down-easter,  although  having 
had  considerable  experience  in  navigation,  did  not  un 
derstand  the  more  correct  way  of  ascertaining  a  vessel's 
position,  viz.  by  lunar  observation,  for  he  roundly  af 
firmed  that  there  were  more  vessels  lost  by  these  new 
inventions  than  by  the  old  way  of  navigating,  for  the 
plain  reason  that  not  more  than  one  in  twenty  knew  any 
thing  about  them.  It  was  true  that  the  down-easter,  so 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


far  from  having  any  knowledge  of  lunars,  did  not  know 
how  to  correct  the  sun's  declension,  for  he  invariably 
worked  up  a  meridian  altitude  without  addition  or  sub 
traction,  just  as  it  was  laid  down  in  Bowditch's  Naviga 
tion.  But  he  was  always  on  the  safe  side  in  regard  to 
navigation,  for  no  one  on  board  ever  heard  him  assert 
positively  the  situation  of  the  Cruiser,  and  the  log-book, 
if  examined,  would  prove  the  truth  of  this  assertion. 

Toward  meridian  the  breeze  freshened,  and  the  wind 
hauled  to  the  westward ;  dark  clouds  hove  up  in  that 
quarter,  indicating  strong  breezes  and  squally  weather  ; 
it  was  not  long  after  dinner  before  the  exciting  cry  of 
"  Sail  ho !  "  was  heard  from  the  "mast-head.  In  a 
few  moments  all  were  in  excitement,  and  when  the 
boatswain's  whistle  piped  all  hands  "  make  sail,  a-hoy," 
every  seaman  sprang  to  the  aid  of  his  messmate,  and  the 
Cruiser  was  dressed  with  all  the  canvass  she  could 
carry  upon  the  wind  for  the  chase. 

The  stranger  in  question  bore  directly  in  the  wind's 
eye,  distant  at  least  from  twelve  to  fifteen  miles.  The 
correct  bearings  of  the  stranger  were  taken,  and  no  per 
ceptible  difference  or  alteration  was  manifest  in  the 
speed  of  the  two  vessels,  except  that  the  Cruiser,  hold 
ing  a  better  wind,  and  laying  nearer  to  it,  gained  rap 
idly  to  windward,  so  that  by  two  o'clock  the  hull  of  the 
stranger  was  lifted  from  the  deck  of  the  Cruiser. 

Every  glass  was  now  put  in  requisition,  and  serious 
opinions  were  expressed  in  relation  to  the  character  of 
their  neighbor.  The  second  lieutenant  from  the  mast 
head  reported  her  to  be  a  long  ship  with  bright  sides, 
20 


230  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

very  square  yards,  having  her  fore  and  mizen  top-gal 
lant-masts  sent  down,  with  her  main  top-gallant-sail  set, 
and  her  main-course  hauled  up ;  and  he  also  affirmed 
that  she  had  bales  of  cotton  slung  over  her  quarter. 

The  Commander  observed  that  she  could  not  be  an 
American  vessel  from  the  appearance  of  her  canvass, 
and  further,  he  observed  that  he  did  not  know  where  a 
vessel  could  be  bound,  steering  as  she  was  in  this  "lati 
tude  and  longitude.  The  second  lieutenant  observed, 
that  from  her  great  length,  square  yards,  &c.,  he 
thought  her  to  be  a  man-of-war  in  disguise.  This  opin 
ion  was  immediately  rejected  by  the  Commander,  for  he 
averred  that  no  man-of-war  could  be  so  perfectly  meta 
morphosed  as  that  ship  to  windward. 

"  In  my  judgment,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant, 
"  before  one  hour  passes  away  you  will  see  as  great  a 
transformation  in  that  ship,  which  you  now  look  upon  as 
a  merchantman,  for  by  that  tune  all  doubts  will  be 
solved  in  reference  to  her  true  character." 

"I  sincerely  hope  so,"  observed  the  Commander, 
"  for  by  that  tune  I  trust  we  shall  be  in  possession  of  a 
good  fat  prize.  Nevertheless,  we  must  be  in  readiness 
to  bear  away,  should  we  be  deceived." 

The  report  from  the  mast-head  rather  corroborated 
the  opinion  of  the  first  lieutenant,  for  the  stranger  by 
this  time  had  his  fore  and  mizen  top-gallant-masts  on  end, 
the  sails  also  were  set,  and  the  main-tack  hauled  aboard, 
and  it  was  now  clearly  perceived  that  she  fore-reached 
upon  the  Cruiser.  Again  and  again  the  mast-head  was 
hailed,  and  as  often  the  report  confirmed  the  opinion  of 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER,  231 

the  first  lieutenant,  as  the  proximity  of  the  two  vessels 
enabled  them  to  see  distinctly  that  the  stranger  had 
four  reefs  in  her  topsails,  a  reef  in  her  top-gallant-sails, 
and  that  every  sail  was  sheeted  close  home,  and  every 
yard  swayed  up  taut  to  the  mast-head. 

The  opinion  of  the  Commander  was  now  entirely 
shaken,  and  orders  were  given  in  quick  succession  to  rig 
out  the  studding-sail  hooms,  and  to  get  the  square-sail 
yard  ropes  bent  on,  ready  to  set  the  sail.  Nor  were 
these  orders  out  of  place,  for  by  this  time  the  two  ves 
sels  were  not  more  than  a  league  apart,  and  further,  the 
mast-head  now  reported  that  the  ship  was  swaying  up  her 
royal-mast,  and  rigging-  out  her  flying  jib-boom.  From 
all  these  preparations  very  little  doubt  remained  in  re 
ference  to  her  true  character. 

The  greatest  anxiety  now  prevailed,  as  the  distance 
between  the  two  was  lessening  every  moment,  for  al 
ready  they  were  nearly  within  point-blank  shot  of 
each  other.  The  crew  were  posted  at  their  different 
stations,  and  every  sail  was  ready  to  be  set,  when 
orders  were  given  to  bear  away.  The  mast-head 
now  reported  in  a  hurried  manner  that  the  ship  had 
kept  away  and  was  under  a  cloud  of  canvass,  bearing 
down  upon  the  Cruiser.  Orders  were  now  rapidly 
given  to  bear  away  and  make  sail,  so  that  in  a  few 
minutes  every  yard  of  canvass  was  spread  to  the  breeze, 
and  every  sail  was  trimmed  with  seaman-like  precision, 
while  the  Cruiser  bounded  over  the  waves  with  the  ra 
pidity  of  an  ocean  bird.  In  a  short  time,  however,  it 
was  perceptible  that  her  antagonist  was  no  laggard,  for 


232  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

when  the  relative  bearing  of  the  two  vessels  was  taken, 
it  was  evident  that  the  frigate  gained  upon  the  Cruiser, 
and  so  confident  was  the  enemy  of  his  victim,  that  he 
sent-  messenger  after  messenger  from  his  bow-chasers, 
which,  however,  fell  without  doing  any  .execution. 
The  wind  now  freshened,  with  squalls  of  rain,  which 
ever  and  anon  excluded  the  frigate  from  the  sight  of  the 
Cruiser,  but  as  often  as  the  mist  drove  away  to  leeward, 
the  frigate  sent  her  compliments  in  the  shape  of  a 
thirty  two  pound  shot.  The  general  impression  now 
was  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  get  away  from  the 
frigate,  for  every  yard  of  canvass  was  set,  and  she  was 
now  running  at  her  greatest  speed ;  the  squall,  too,  had 
increased  in  violence,  and  the  masts  and  spars,  groaning 
under  the  weight  of  canvass,  seemed  to  be  unequal  to 
the  torture. 

At  this  crisis  a  consultation  was  held  on  the  quarter 
deck,  and  the  opinion  of  the  Commander  was,  that  the 
Cruiser  should  be  hauled  close  by  the  wind,  taking  ad 
vantage  of  a  squall,  which  would  of  course  close  her  in 
from  the  view  of  the  frigate,  and  thus  enable  her  to  get 
the  weather-guage.  "  For  it  is  very  evident,"  he  con 
tinued,  "  that  we  cannot  keep  out  of  his  way  more  than 
three  hours,  and  should  a  chance  shot  cripple  any  of 
our  spars,  why  then  the  fate  of  the  Cruiser  will  be 
sealed." 

At  this  moment  the  mast-head  reported  that  the  land 
was  in  sight,  stretching  north  and  south  as  far  as  the 
eye  could  reach. 

"Now  gentlemen,"  resumed  the  Commander,  "  you 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  233 

perceive  that  we  have  but  one  alternative  left  us,  for  at 
the  rate  we  are  now  running,  the  bones  of  this  craft 
will  shortly  be  lying  on  the  beach  yonder."  • 

"In  my  judgment,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  "as 
the  night  is  rapidly  advancing,  and  the  weather  threat 
ening,  and  as  it  indicates  a  strong  breeze  with  heavy 
squalls  during  the  night,  it  will  be  impossible  to  elude  the 
vigilance  of  that  frigate,  so  long  as  daylight  lasts ;  and 
as  the  enemy  cannot  overhaul  us  in  less  than  two  hours, 
why  then  in  my  judgment  our  safest  plan  will  be,  to  run 
on  until  night  shuts  in,  and  under  its  cover,  in  one  of 
those  heavy  squalls  we  may  with  some  security  haul  by 
the  wind,  take  every  sail  in  and  lay  under  our  poles 
until  the  frigate  shall  get  to  leeward." 

The  Commander  did  not  entirely  assent  to  this 
opinion,  but  as  past  experience  convinced  him,  that  in 
more  than  one  instance  his  judgment  and  opinion  had 
proved  erroneous,  he  reluctantly  consented  that  the 
Cruiser  should  still  be  kept  before  the  wind. 

"  Well,  I  have  just  been  thinking,"  observed  the 
boatswain  to  the  young  seaman,  "  unless  we  have  the 
devil's  luck  and  our  own  too,  that  the  bones  of  this 
craft  will  be  bleaching  on  them  rocks  under  the  lee 
before  midnight,  or  that  you  and  I  will  have  a  snug 
berth  in  the  cable  tier  of  that  frigate  yonder  !  Why 
look 'ee,  messmate,  she's  coming  up  hand  over  hand, 
and  at  the  rate  we  are  now  going,  in  less  than  two 
hours  we  shall  hear  the  roar  of  the  breakers.  Now 
what 's  your  opinion  of  it,  messmate  ?  " 

"  It  is  true,"  replied  the  young  seaman,  "  that  the 
20' 


284  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

nearness  of  the  frigate  augurs  very  unfavorably  of  our 
escape,  and,  the  land  not  being  far  distant,  presents  an 
appalling  danger,  but  then  if  my  feelings  do  not  de 
ceive  me,  this  craft  will  be  reserved  for  another  fate." 
The  boatswain  expressed  some  astonishment  at  this 
declaration,  but  as  he  had  many  proofs  of  the  prophet 
ical  truth  of  the  young  seaman's  decision,  he  subscribed 
to  this  without  hesitation,  averring  at  the  same  time, 
"  that  it  would  be  little  less  than  a  miracle  if  the  Cruiser 
should  get  safe  out  of  two  fires." 

Night  now  began  rapidly  to  close  in,  and  squall  after 
squall,  with  increased  fury  and  more  frequent  repe- 
tition>  drove  the  Cruiser  furiously  on  toward  the  lee- 
shore,  and  when  the  last  glimpse  of  the  frigate  was 
seen,  she  was  not  more  than  half  gun  shot  distant.  She 
had  ceased  firing,  for  the  reason  that  her  shot  were  sent 
at  random. 

The  darkness  had  now  shrouded  the  whole  hem 
isphere  with  an  impenetrable  gloom,  so  profound  that 
objects  could  not  be  seen  twenty  yards  distant.  The 
men  were  now  ordered  to  lay  aloft,  to  be  in  readiness  to 
take  in  all  light  sail,  every  halyard  fore  and  aft  was  or 
dered  to  be  clear  for  running,  and  every  man  was  at  his 
station,  while  a  death-like  silence  prevailed.  The  lights 
were  all  extinguished,  and  nothing  was  heard  but  the 
roar  of  the  elements,  and  the  dashing  spray  at  the 
Cruiser's  bow.  The  interval  for  the  next  squall  was 
marked  with  the  deepest  anxiety;  not  a  word  was 
spoken  forward  or  aft ;  the  wind  whistled  through  the 
rigging  and  blocks  with  an  intonation  so  melancholy, 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  235 

that  the  superstitious  seamen  swore  that  it  was  ominous 
of  the  disaster  that  would  befall  them  that  night. 

"  Silence  !  fore  and  aft.     Hark  !  " 

A  death-like  stillness  immediately  prevailed. 

"  What  noise  is  that  I  hear  ? "  echoed  the  Com 
mander  in  rather  a  subdued  tone. 

In  a  few  moments  a  roar  like  distant  thunder  fell 
upon  the  ear  of  every  man  on  board.  The  sound  was 
appalling,  for  the  truth  flashed  upon  every  mind :  it 
was  the  roar  of  the  dashing  breakers  upon  the  rocks  ! 
No  time^  was  now  to  be  lost.  The  squall  which  had 
risen  in  the  western  board  came  driving  furiously  on, 
sending  before  it  a  huge  mass  of  black  waters,  which 
threatened  to  deluge  the  Cruiser  with  instant  destruc 
tion  ! 

"  Are  you  ready  fore  and  aft  ?  " 

The  reply  was  in  the  affirmative. 

"  Hark  !  "  again  echoed  the  Commander. 

The  tolling  bell  from  the  frigate  was  distinctly  heard. 
Orders  were  now  rapidly  given,  and  the  light  sails,  to 
gether  with  the  jibs  and  mainsail,  were  taken  in  and 
secured,  in  less  tune  than  I  have  taken  to  describe  it. 
The  helm  was  put  to  starboard,  and  in  the  same 
moment  the  heavy  squall  struck  the  Cruiser,  but  she 
was  stripped  for  the  fight,  rounding  to  gallantly  by  the 
wind,  forging  ahead  at  least  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  In  a 
few  minutes  the  frigate  came  driving  on,  and  was  dis 
tinctly  marked  by  her  battle  lanterns  until  she  was  far 
to  leeward.  The  Cruiser's  sails  were  now  reefed  dowr 
and  set,  and  although  the  night  was  threatening,  and 


236  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

the  western  gale  blew  briskly,  with  heavy  squalls  ;  yet 
the  Cruiser,  under  a  press  of  canvass,  stood  off  on  a 
wind  to  the  westward.  At  daylight  in  the  morning, 
nothing  was  seen  of  the  enemy,  and  it  was  now  deter 
mined  to  shift  the  cruising  ground. 


CHAPTER  XXm. 

AN  ENGAGEMENT  WITH   A   BRITISH  PACKET. 

THE  general  topic  of  conversation  on  board  of  the 
Cruiser,  related  especially  to  the  events  recorded  in  the 
preceding  chapter.  It  is  true  the  Commander  deserved 
great  praise  for  carrying  into  execution  the  masterly 
manoeuvre  which  saved  the  Cruiser  from  capture ; 
nevertheless  the  greater  deference  and  respect  for  the 
opinion  of  the  first  lieutenant  was  elicited  from  the 
officers  and  crew,  for  the  success  which  had  resulted 
from  his  plan  of  escape  suggested  on  the  previous  day. 
It  may  be  easily  conceived,  therefore,  that  the  confi 
dence  naturally  reposed  in  the  Commander,  was  gradu 
ally  diminished,  and  transferred  to  the  first  lieutenant. 
Subsequent  to  this,  and  during  the  remainder  of  the 
cruise,  his  judgment  and  opinion  secured  for  him  the 
most  unbounded  confidence  and  respect,  and  when  it 
was  ascertained  that  the  next  plan  of  operations  would 
be  to  cruise  off  the  chops  of  the  Irish  Channel,  there 
was  a  general  demur;  but  when  the  first  lieutenant 
urged  the  propriety  of  this  measure,  as  being  the  best 
plan  to  finish  the  cruise,  not  a  murmur  was  heard 
from  any  quarter. 

237 


238  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

After  breakfast  in  the  morning  of  the  following  day 
which  had  marked  the  successful  escape  of  the  Cruiser 
from  the  British  frigate,  orders  were  given  to  pipe  all 
hands  on  deck.  As  soon  as  the  crew  had  mustered  up, 
the  Commander,  after  passing  a  eulogium  on  their  good 
conduct  and  bravery,  addressed  them  as  follows  : 

"  Our  cruise  has  been  protracted,  unavoidably,  longer 
than  I  expected  at  its  commencement.  Nevertheless,  we 
have  no  reason  to  complain,  although  we  have  had  some 
hard  fighting,  and  hard  chases,  and  the  chances  of  war, 
and  other  casualties  of  the  sea,  have  cut  off  some  of  our 
shipmates.  This,  however,  was  to  be  expected,  and  con 
sidering  the  great  hazard  we  have  had  to  encounter,  the 
ratio  of  deaths  has  been  very  inconsiderable  to  the  pro 
portion  of  the  men  composing  the  crew  of  this  Cruiser. 
We  have  been  on  this  cruising  ground  for  a  con 
siderable  length  of  time,  and  it  has  been  owing  to  your 
intrepidity  and  activity,  that  this  craft  is  not  in  the  pos 
session  of  the  British.  To  remain  here  any  longer, 
would  be  attended  with  great  hazard,  and  endanger  our 
safety,  as  it  must  be  pretty  well  known,  that  we  have 
been  cruising  on  this  ground  for  some  time  past.  I 
have  therefore  determined  to  change  our  position,  and 
cruise  off*  the  chops  of  the  Irish  Channel  for  a  short 
time,  and  although  it  will  be  attended  with  much  risk, 
yet  we  shall  be  more  likely  to  fall  in  with  merchant 
vessels,  which  will  enable  us  speedily  to  finish  this 
cruise.  Our  success,  however,  still  depends  upon  your 
good  conduct.  I  hope,  therefore,  as  you  have  heretofore 
behaved  gallantly,  I  shall  have  no  reason  in  the  future 


THE    AMERICAN     CRUISER.  239 

to  change  my  opinion,  and  I  trust  we  shall  ultimately 
be  rewarded  for  all  our  dangers  and  toils." 

At  the  conclusion  of  this  harangue,  there  was  a  low, 
buzzing  murmur  of  disapprobation  among  some  of  the 
men,  for  they  swore  that  but  for  the  skipper  the  cruise 
might  have  been  finished  long  ago ;  while  the  others 
proposed  to  give  three  cheers,  which  was  done,  yet  so 
faintly,  that  it  rather  expressed  a  kind  of  disrespect 
than  esteem  for  the  judgment  and  opinion  of  the  Com 
mander.  The  Cruiser  was  noyi  bending  her  course 
under  a  press  of  sail  toward  the  chops  of  the  Irish 
Channel,  and  the  only  thing  which  reconciled  the  crew 
and  officers  to  this  measure,  was  the  probability  that  the 
cruise  would  soon  be  terminated. 

"  I  've  been  thinking,"  observed  the  boatswain  to  the 
young  seaman,  "  since  the  skipper  gave  us  that  bit  of 
small  talk,  that  he  do  n't  feel  quite  so  easy  in  his  mind, 
for  he  knows  pretty  well  that  this  craft  will  have  to  run 
the  gauntlet  off  the  Channel  there,  and  to  my  mind, 
tvhy  d'  ye  see,  it  would  be  much  better  to  have  run  his 
<5raft  down  towards  the  West  India  Islands,  for  then  we 
«hould  have  a  little  pleasant  weather,  and  our  chance 
would  be  as  good  to  fall  in  with  vessels,  and  what 's 
more,  we  should  be  likely  to  keep  out  of  the  way  of 
Engh'sh  men-of-war,  and  have  a  short  run  to  Yankee 
land.  What 's  your  opinion  of  it,  messmate  ?  " 

"  The  opinion  you  have  advanced,"  replied  the  young 
seaman,  "  is  correct,  and  such  would  have  been  the 
proper  course  ;  but  there  seems  to  me  to  be  a  strange 
kind  of  fatality  hanging  over  this  Cruiser,  and  although 


240  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

I  have  endeavored  to  shake  off  this  feeling,  yet  in  spite 
of  all  my  efforts  to  the  contrary,  I  cannot  help  thinking 
but  that  this  craft  is  preserved  for  some  melancholy  dis 
aster  ;  and  this  opinion  is  founded  upon  the  observation 
and  experience  of  the  past.  For  you  are  aware,"  he  con 
tinued,  "that  the  recklessness  and  impetuosity  of  our 
Commander,  has  not  only  lengthened  out  the  cruise,  but 
also  in  more  than  one  instance  the  safety  of  the  Cruiser 
has  been  jeopardized,  as  well  as  the  lives  of  the  crew ; 
and  therefore  I  should  not  be  surprised,  that  instead  of 
cruising  off  the  chops,  he  would  run  this  craft  up  Chan 
nel,  and  thereby  finish  the  cruise  with  her  capture,  and 
our  incarceration  in  a  British  prison  during  the  war." 

"  Well,  as  I  've  had  pretty  good  reason  for  believing 
your  word,  and  besides  this  is  about  my  way  of  thinking, 
why  then,  messmate,  we  '11  make  the  best  on 't ;  but 
some  how  or  other  I  should  just  like  to  have  that  first 
lieutenant  take  charge  of  this  craft,  especially  now  as 
we  are  about  to  have  some  hard  knocks  or  hard  chases, 
for  to  my  mind  he  can  bring  this  craft  into  action,  aye, 
and  get  her  out  of  it  too,  in  a  more  seaman-like  manner 
than  our  skipper,  and  as~  to  the  matter  of  judgment, 
why  d'ye  see,  messmate,  the  skipper  can't  hold  a  candle 
to  him." 

The  conversation  was  suddenly  interrupted  by  a 
report  from  the  mast-head,  that  there  was  a  sail  in  sight, 
bearing  on  the  starboard  beam,  and  apparently  standing 
to  the  southward.  The  usual  interrogatories  were  made, 
to  all  of  which  an  indefinite  answer  was  returned.  The 
second  lieutenant  went  aloft,  and  in  a  few  minutes  re- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  241 

ported  confidently  that  the  stranger  was  standing  to  the 
southward.  The  Cruiser  immediately  wore  round,  and 
made  all  sail  in  chase.  The  excitement  of  the  previous 
day  had  scarcely  subsided,  when  in,  less  than  twenty- 
four  hours  there  was  sufficient  material  to  keep  alive  the 
exciting  flame.  This  proved  to  be  of  great  importance 
to  the  Commander,  for  the  respect  due  to  him  as  such, 
was  declining  day  by  day.  It  is  true,  he  merited 
great  commendation  for  his  coolness  and  intrepidity 
on  the  previous  day ;  but  even  this  was  overbalanced 
in  the  opinion  of  the  crew,  from  the  fact,  that  he 
only  executed  the  judgment  and  opinion  of  the  first 
lieutenant ;  he  resolved,  therefore,  that  whenever  a 
favorable  opportunity  presented,  to  strike  a  blow  that 
would  at  once  reinstate  him  in  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  the  officers  and  crew. 

The  stranger  in  question  was  at  length  ascertained  to 
be  a  brig,  and  the  report  from  the  mast-head  was,  that 
she  had  greatly  forereached,  and  was  now  bearing  two 
points  on  the  larboard  bow.  This  was  easily  accounted 
for,  from  the  fact  that  the  Cruiser  was  kept  nearly 
before  the  wind,  while  the  stranger  had  the  wind  abeam, 
and  of  course  every  sail  would  draw  to  advantage  and 
increase  her  speed.  The  Cruiser  had  now  dropt  in  the 
wake  of  her  neighbor,  so  that  in  a  very  short  time  it 
would  be  manifest  which  of  the  two  had  the  advantage 
in  sailing.  In  less  than  an  hour  every  c[oubt  was  re 
moved,  for  at  her'  mast-head  the  topsails  were  raised, 
and  scarcely  had  another  hour  passed  away,  before  she 
was  seen  from  the  Cruiser's  deck.  Every  preparation 
21 


242  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

was  now  made  for  action,  for  although  the  stranger  had 
not  altered  her  course,  from  the  time  she  was  first  dis 
covered,  yet  from  the  tautness  of  her  rig,  her  square 
yards,  and  the  cut  and  set  of  her  sails,  all  went  to  con 
firm  the  opinion,  that  she  was  either  a  sloop-of-war,  or 
packet ;  consequently,  they  would  have  sufficient  work, 
in  either  case. 

The  superior  speed  of  the  Cruiser  enabled  her  to 
gain  rapidly  on  the  chase,  and  a  close  proximity  of 
the  two  vessels,  served  to  confirm  the  opinion  already 
entertained  of  the  stranger.  It  was  a  matter  of 
some  astonishment,  when  she  was  clearly  distinguished 
with  the  glass,  that  she  had  no  studding-sails  set. 
This  could  be  accounted  for  only  on  the  supposition 
of  decoy,  for  confident  in  her  own  strength,  she  used 
but  little  effort  to  avoid  an  action.  Great  caution  and 
prudence  were  now  necessary,  and  indeed,  having  been 
taught  a  severe  lesson  on  the  preceding  day,  the  Com 
mander  was  more  than  usually  cautious,  for  he  fre 
quently  consulted  the  first  lieutenant  as  to  the  best  plan 
of  operations. 

"  From  the  manoeuvres  of  that  craft,"  observed  the 
Commander,  "  and  at  the  rate  we  are  now  overhauling 
her,  we  shall  bring  her  to  an  action  before  sunset,  and 
my  plan  would  be,  to  lay  this  craft  alongside,  and  en 
deavor  to  carry  her  by  boarding.  What  is  your  opin 
ion,  sir,"  he  observed  to  the  first  lieutenant. 

"  It  is  evident,"  he  replied,  "  that  unless  she  has 
used  some  stratagem  to  decoy  us,  we  have  the  advan 
tage  of  speed,  and  can  therefore  change  our  position. 


THE    AMERICAN    CKtJISER.  243 

In  my  judgment,  then,  as  our  battery  is  small,  and  we 
have  only  Long  Tom  to  depend  upon,  it  will  be  better 
to  engage  him  at  long  shot ;  this  I  believe  to  be  the 
most  prudent  course  ;  for  should  she  prove  to  be  a  man- 
of-war,  notwithstanding  we  have  the  advantage  in  sail 
ing,  by  engaging  her  at  close  quarters,  she  might 
cripple  our  spars,  and  thus  prevent  the  possibility  of 
escape  ;  and  even  should  she  turn  out  to  be  a  packet, 
which  I  am  inclined  to  believe,  my  plan  is  still  more 
feasible,  because  in  point  of  armament  and  men,  they 
are  nearly  equal  to  a  man-of-war,  and  commanded  by  a 
naval  officer. 

The  strong  sense  and  force  of  the  suggestions  were 
very  apparent  to  the  Commander  and  officers,  and  it 
was  decided  to  engage  the  enemy  on  the  plan  proposed 
by  the  first  lieutenant.  It  was  half  an  hour  of  sunset 
before  Long  Tom  was  in  speaking  distance,  at  which 
time  the  Cruiser  yawed,  and  sent  her  compliments  to 
the  stranger,  and  the  stars  and  stripes  were  run  up  to 
the  peak,  and  the  enemy,  (for  she  now  displayed  the 
bunting  having  St.  George's  cross  on  it,)  returned  the 
compliment  in  the  shape  of  a  twelve  pound  shot.  As 
the  antagonists  were  now  at  short  point-blank  shot  dis 
tance  of  each  other,  the  Cruiser  took  in  sail,  so  as  to 
avoid  a  closer  proximity  to  the  enemy.  This  was  no 
sooner  discovered  by  the  Englishman  than  he  hauled 
close  upon  a  wind  on  the  starboard  tack,  when  she  im 
mediately  furled  all  her  light  sails,  hauled  down  the  jib, 
and  hauled  up  her  courses.  By  this  time  the  strife  had 
fairly  commenced  at  long  shot,  without  much  execution 


244  THE    AMERICAN   CRUISER. 

on  either  side.  The  Cruiser  having,  as  had  been  sug 
gested  by  the  first  lieutenant,  the  advantage  in  sailing, 
chose  a  position  on  the  starboard-quarter  of  the  enemy, 
and  being  to  windward,  could  maintain  that,  or  any 
other  position  she  chose.  A  brisk  fire  was  now  kept  up 
on  both  sides,  which  did  no  other  damage  than  to  cut 
away  some  of  the  rigging,  and  some  of  the  shot  passing 
through  the  sails.  Thus  far  there  was  a  pretty  general 
average  of  loss  in  the  rigging  and  sails  on  both  sides, 
when  the  Commander's  impetuosity  ordered  the  helm 
to  be  put  up,  and  run  down,  so  as  to  engage  the  enemy 
at  close  quarters. 

Night  was  coming  on,  and  from  the  manner  in  which 
the  brig  was  brought  into  action,  and  the  determined 
resistance  and  courage  which  had  already  been  mani 
fested,  it  was  very  evident,  that  she  was  strongly 
manned  and  armed,  and  that  it  would  not  be  so  easy  a 
matter  to  capture  her  as  it  was  at  first  contemplated. 
As  soon  as  the  Cruiser  had  approached  to  within  half 
gunshot,  a  sheet  of  flame  issued  from  the  whole  broad 
side  of  the  enemy.  This  was  a  severe  check  to  the 
Cruiser,  for  it  cut  away  her  midship  bulwarks,  and  fore 
gaff,  wounding  several  of  the  crew,  but  Long  Tom 
amply  repaid  this  unwelcome  salutation,  by  cutting 
away  the  jib-boom  and  starboard  night-head  of  the 
enemy.  Darkness  was  now  rapidly  approaching,  and  a 
heavy  fire  was  kept  up  on  both  sides  ;  the  Englishmen 
fought  like  bloodhounds,  and  with  so  much  impetuosity 
and  courage,  that  the  Cruiser  was  severely  handled, 
her  rigging,  spars,  and  sails  being  so  much  cut  to  pieces 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  245 

that  it  became  necessary  to  haul  off  and  repair  damages. 
The  strife,  however,  was  not  yet  over,  for  the  Com 
mander  of  the  Cruiser  signified  his  intention  to  the  first 
lieutenant,  that  he  would  board  the  enemy.  This  in 
tention  was  immediately  made  known  to  the  crew,  and 
the  Cruiser  was  kept  away,  and  run  down,  receiving  at 
the  same  time  the  heavy  fire  of  the  Englishmen  with 
tremendous  effect ;  nor  was  Long  Tom  slow  to  speak 
for  himself,  for  he  dealt  out  death  and  destruction  when 
ever  his  voice  was  heard.  The  conflict  now  was  terrific 
and  bloody,  the  Englishman  working  and  fighting  his 
craft  at  the  same  time,  with  so  much  courage  and  in 
such  a  seaman-like  manner,  that  three  attempts  by  the 
Cruiser  to  board  was  as  repeatedly  repulsed,  and  so 
desperate  was  this  combat  on  both  sides,  during  the 
subsequent  half  hour,  that  many  lay  wounded  on  the 
deck  of  the  Cruiser,  and  it  was  supposed  that  the 
carnage  on  board  of  the  enemy  was  equally  as  great, 
as  the  close  proximity  of  the  two  exhibited  much  less  in 
the  Englishman's  spars,  rigging,  and  sails ;  indeed  each 
of  them  fought  with  such  desperation,  that  before  an 
hour  rolled  away,  they  were  glad  to  haul  off  from  each 
other  and  repair  damages. 
21* 


CHAPTER    XXIV* 


ARRIVAL  AT  THE  CRUISING  GROUND 

DURING  the  preceding  night,  the  watch  was  em 
ployed  as  far  as  practicable,  in  repairing  the  severe 
damages  which  the  Cruiser  sustained,  in  the  awful  con 
flict  with  the  supposed  British  packet,  and  so  great  were 
the  damages,  that  many  of  the  sails  were  unfit  for 
service,  consequently  they  were  replaced  by  others  ;  in 
short,  four  days  were  necessary  to  reinstate  the 
Cruiser's  condition,  as  it  had  been  previously  to  the 
action,  and  it  was  a  matter  of  surprise,  that  considering 
the  desperation  in  which  this  terrific  action  was  fought, 
there  were  none  killed  on  board  the  Cruiser,  although 
many  were  wounded,  among  whom  was  one  of  our 
heroes,  the  intrepid  boatswain. 

The  crew,  in  consequence  of  this  action,  became 
much  weakened,  and  it  was  necessary  not  to  be  hasty 
in  approaching  the  contemplated  cruising  ground,  but 
rather  afford  the  wounded  a  sufficient  opportunity  that 
they  might  recover  strength,  and  be  in  a  fit  condition 
for  actual  service  when  those,  services  were  required. 
The  wound  which  the  boatswain  had  received  was 
neither  mortal  nor  very  severe,  being  occasioned  by  a 
246 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  £47 

splinter,  which  had  struck  him,  making  a  large  con 
tusion  on  the  thigh.  The  young  seaman  had  now  an 
opportunity  not  only  of  showing  his  gratitude,  but  also 
of  returning  the  favors  he  himself  had  received  from 
the  boatswain,  when  the  former  was  in  a  similar  condi 
tion.  He  was  therefore  unremitting  in  attention  to  his 
friend,  beguiling  many  tedious  hours  of  confinement, 
which  would  otherwise  have  been  almost  past  en 
durance.  As  the  young  seaman  was  aware,  that 
the  hour  of  sickness  and  confinement  was  peculiarly 
applicable  to  make  an  impression  with  serious  con 
versation,  he  took  occasion  to  enlarge  qn  the  subject 
of  man's  duty  toward  the  Supreme  Being,  in  order 
to  get  a  regular  set  of  papers  and  a  clean  pass 
port  for  a  happy  admission  into  the  other  world. 
"Every  hour,"  observed  the  young  seaman  to  his 
friend,  "  brings  with  it  renewed  obligations  on  our  part, 
from  him  whom  we  derive  every  blessing  that  we  enjoy, 
and  I  have  often  thought,"  he  continued,  "  if  we  ap 
preciated  those  blessings  as  we  should,  they  would  not 
only  inspire  our  hearts  with  gratitude,  but  stimulate  us 
also,  to  devote  our  lives  and  services  to  that  Being  from 
whom  alone  we  derive  consolation  and  support  here,  and 
eternal  happiness  in  the  world  to  come." 

"  Well,  well,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  I  'm  glad 
you  've  got  on  that  tack,  so  now,  messmate,  as  we  was 
chatting  on  that  before  we  had  the  dust  with  the 
Englishmen,  suppose  you  overhaul  your  knowledge 
box,  and  just  tell  me  how  to  get  that  good  Pilot  on 
board." 


248  THE    AMERICAN    CUUISSB. 

The  young  seaman,  with  all  seriousness,  complied  as 
follows : 

"  It  is  a  source  of  great  pleasure  to  me,  my  friend," 
he  observed,  "  that  I  can  in  any  way  relieve  your  hours 
of  pain  and  confinement,  and  if  I  know  my  own  heart, 
there  is  no  one  in  this  world  for  whom  I  would  more 
willingly  and  cheerfully  exert  my  utmost  endeavors. 
This  world  to  me,"  he  continued  mournfully,  "  would 
be  a  mere  blank,  unless  I  had  one  in  whom  I  could 
repose  all  my  sorrows.  For  such  a  one  I  long 
sought  in  vain,  until  an  all-wise  Providence  brought 
us  together  —  pardon  me,  my  friend,  for  this  di 
gression —  well  then,"  he  continued,  "to  secure  the 
faror  as  well  as  the  assistance  of  this  Pilot  on  board 
of  your  vessel,  you  must  attend  strictly  to  his  written 
instructions." 

"  What  are  they  ?  "  enquired  the  boatswain. 

"  First,  you  are  to  relinquish  every  evil  practice,  and 
especially  those  to  which  sailors  are  so  much  accus 
tomed.  I  do  not  say  that  you  are  in  the  habit  of  com 
mitting  many  transgressions  and  sins,  but  then  you  will 
soon  discover  by  reading  those  instructions,  that  there 
is  one  clause  which  reads  thus,  '  He  that  offendeth  in 
one,  is  guilty  of  all ; '  that  is,  you  can  never  get  this 
good  Pilot  on  board,  so  long  as  you  voluntarily  disobey 
the  least  part  of  these  instructions.  But  again,  after 
there  is  a  full  obedience  to  this  part  of  the  instructions, 
then  you  must  heave  in  stays,  and  get  on  the  other  tack, 
for  as  you  have  been  on  the  wrong  course  all  your  life, 
and  could  never  receive  the  favor  or  service  of  the  Pilot 


-       THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  249 

on  that  tack,  so  now  you  must  get  on  the  true  course, 
•where  you  will  be  sure  not  only  to  fall  in  with  this  good 
Pilot,  but  he  will  then  most  cheerfully  come  on  board, 
by  your  request  and  permission." 

"  Well,"  interrupted  the  boatswain  hastily,  "  I  don't 
exactly  understand,  although  I've  been  boxing  the 
compass  for  many  years,  and  can  work  a  ship,  in  all 
kinds  of  weather,  and  under  any  sail,  yet  I  say,  mess 
mate,  I  do  n't  exactly  know  how  to  get  this  old  hulk  of 
mine  about  on  the  other  tack." 

"  Why  as  to  that,"  replied  the  young  seaman,  "  this 
knowledge  is  only  to  be  obtained  by  the  written  in 
structions." 

"Aye,  aye,"  answered  the  boatswain,  "but  then 
what 's  a  chap  to  do  that  can't  read  a  word  in  the 
book  ?  tell  me  that,  messmate." 

"  I  will  inform  you  according  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge  in  these  matters,"  replied  the  young  seaman, 
"  what  I  mean  by  your  having  steered  the  wrong  course 
all  your  life,  and  getting  on  the  other  tack,  is  this : 
you  and  I  have  been  committing  sin,  and  have  lived  all 
our  days  in  open  violation  of  the  commandments  of 
God ;  this  is  the  wrong  course.  Now  what  I  mean  by 
heaving  in  stays,  is,  to  be  sorry  for  having  pursued  this 
course,  and  then  by  sincere  and  unfeigned  repentance, 
to  fill  away  on  the  other  tack.  Again,  what  I  mean  by 
steering  on  the  true  and  the  right  course  is,  by  making 
prayer  to  God,  and  an  implicit  reliance  upon  the  ability 
and  willingness  of  this  good  Pilot  to  save  your  old 
weather-beaten  hulk,  and  bring  her  safely  into  port. 


250  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

Then,  and  not  until  then,  will  this  Pilot  take  possession 
of  your  ship,  and  so  long  as  you  keep  him  on  board 
you  are  safe.  Aye,  although  there  are  sunken  rocks, 
shoals,  and  quicksands,  and  although  there  may  be 
Storms,  and  the  foaming  billows  may  sometimes  dash 
their  crested  tops  over  your  bark,  and  although  the 
thunders  may  roll,  and  the  lightnings  flash,  nevertheless, 
if  you  keep  this  Pilot  on  board,  attend  to  his  orders, 
and  keep  a  good  look-out  ahead  by  faith  and  prayer,  he 
will  get  your  weather-beaten  bark  safely  into  the  port 
of  eternal  rest." 

At  this  point  of  the  conversation,  the  boatswain 
passionately  grasped  the  hand  of  the  young  seaman, 
and  exclaimed : 

"  But  for  you,  messmate,  I  should  long  ago  been 
stranded  on  the  sunken  rocks,  and  this  hulk  would  have 
been  carried  down  by  the  whirlpool,  into  which  so  many 
poor  sailors  are  lost ;  but  while'  you  was  marking  off 
the  course,  messmate,  I  boused  my  thinking  tacks 
aboard,  and  says  I  to  myself,  what  shall  I  do  when  I 
get  on  shore  ?  how  shall  I  sheer  off  from  all  these 
matters  that  draw  sailors  away  to  destruction  ?  " 

"  The  best  course  to  pursue,"  replied  the  young 
seaman,  "  is  to  steer  clear  of  all  those  haunts  of  dissi 
pation  which  allure  seamen,  and  the  first  of  those  that  I 
would  name,  are  those  resorts  which  drown  the  sensi 
bilities  by  partaking  of  the  intoxicating  bowl,  which 
reduces  the  man  to  a  level  with  the  brute.  In  short,  it 
is  this  which  leads  to  every  species  of  dissipation  and 
folly  which  marks  the  general  conduct  of  seamer 


THB    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  2&1 

when  on  shore  ;  it  is  this  that  makes  him  shunned 
by  all  respectable  society,  and  looked  upon  as  a  kind  of 
outcast,  and  draws  the  line  which  divides  the  sailor 
and  landsman.  It  is  not,"  he  continued,  "  the  dress, 
sea  technicalities,  or  manners,  as  some  have  vainly  sup 
posed,  that  causes  this  distinction.  If  seamen  would 
conduct  themselves  as  other  men,  they  would  be  equally 
respected,  nay,  I  believe  more,  for  a  little  reflection 
will  convince  every  man  that  they  are  a  most  useful 
class  of  society." 

"It  is  very  true,"  answered  the  boatswain,  "but 
then  do  you  think  Jack  is  to  blame  for  all  his  bad  eon- 
duct  when  on  shore  ?  " 

"  Why  as  to  that,"  replied  the  young  seaman,  "  there 
may  be  some  palliation ;  for  when  it  is  taken  into  con 
sideration  how  many  privations  they  are  obliged  to 
endure,  such  as  almost  a  total  absence  of  domes 
tic  comforts,  as  well  as  the  intercourse  with  society, 
and  then  to  look  at  his  peculiar  mode  of  life  when  at 
sea,  often  compelled  to  live  on  the  hardest  fare,  and 
at  the  same  time  to  the  treatment  which  he  endures,  to 
which  no  landsman  would  submit,  when  all  this  is  taken 
into  consideration,  it  is  no  wonder  that  sailors  are  com 
pared  to  wild  animals  when  they  are  on  shore,  especially 
when  there  are  numbers  who  are  always  on  the  watch 
to  decoy  them,  and  by  seeming  acts  of  friendship  entice 
him  to  quaff  the  intoxicating  bowl,  and  then  strip  his 
pockets  of  his  hard  earnings ;  and  it  is  certainly  true  • 
that  landsmen  will  have  much  to  answer  for  in  this 
respect." 


252  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

"  I  believe,"  replied  the  boatswain  "  that  sailors  are 
not  quite  so  bad  as  they  were  when  I  first  went  to  sea." 

"It  is  owing  principally,  if  not  entirely,"  observed 
the  young  seaman,  "  to  the  great  efforts  exerted  by  re 
ligious  and  philanthropic  men  for  their  reformation." 

"  Well,  well,"  answered  the  boatswain,  "  I'm  glad 
that  poor  Jack  has  not  all  the  blame  to  carry  off  on  his 
shoulders ;  and  I'll  tell  you  what,  messmate,  it  is  a  long 
time  since  I've  had  a  bit  of  small  talk  like  this,  and  if 
every  sailor  had  a  good  messmate,  just  to  put  him  in  the 
right  way,  as  you've  done  to  me,  why  then  d'ye  see,  we 
should 'nt  have  so  much  drinking,  and  frolicking,  and 
fighting  among  us  blue  jackets." 

"  There  is  no  want  of  instruction,  if  seamen  will  re 
ceive  it ;  for  in  all  our  seaports  there  are  men  who  are 
appointed  for  that  especial  purpose,  viz.  to  distribute 
Bibles,  tracts,  and  other  good  books,  and  impart  such 
advice,  to  which  if  seamen  will  only  adhere  and  follow, 
as  will  make  them  better  men,  and  what  is  infinitely 
more  important,  it  will  make  them  wise  unto  salvation." 

This  grave  and  serious  conversation  made  a  deep  im 
pression  on  the  boatswain,  so  that  during  his  confine 
ment,  which  was  not  of  long  duration,  he  frequently  in 
terrogated  the  young  seaman,  in  regard  to  these,  and 
other  subjects  of  a  similar  nature. 

While  the  two  friends  were  happy  in  the  society  of 
each  other,  their  time  passing  not  only  pleasantly  but 
profitably  together,  it  was  not  so  in  the  ward-room,  or 
among  the  crew,  for  the  events  which  have  been  re 
corded  resulting  in  such  an  unfavorable  issue,  caused  a 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

general  dissatisfaction,  especially  the  unlucky  movement 
of  the  Commander  during  the  action,  (in  opposition  to 
the  judgment  of  the  first  lieutenant,)  which  had  ena 
bled  the  enemy  to  make  her  escape,  and  which  had 
proved  so  disastrous  to  the  Cruiser;  all  these  fell 
heavily  upon  the  Commander,  who  now,  in  the  judgment 
of  all  on  board,  was  not  only  instrumental  in  their  dis 
asters,  and  in  prolonging  the  cruise,  but  it  was  universally 
believed  that,  by  his  mad  acts,  he  would  run  them  into 
further  difficulty. 

"  I  wish  I  were  well  out  of  this  craft,"  said  an  old 
prize-master,  Avho  had  been  retained  on  board,  fearing 
if  he  were  put  on  board  of  a  prize,  his  old  habits  would 
return,  and  thus  jeopardize  the  safety  of  the  vessel,  and 
the  liberty  of  the  prize-crew. 

"  For  the  matter  of  that,"  replied  the  Down  Easter, 
"  I  don't  think  it  will  be  long  before  you  will  have  your 
wish  accomplished,  and  I  don't  much  care  myself,  for 
I  don't  think  there  is  much  fun  in  scampering  away 
like  a  race-horse,  and  that  too,  with  rocks  and  breakers 
a-head,  and  John  Bull  close  under  your  stern,  throwing 
his  shot  like  peppercorns ;  no,  no ;  I  don't  see  the  use 
of  dodging  about  here,  first  running,  then  fighting,  and 
getting  cut  all  to  pieces  when  there's  no  prize-money  in 
the  way." 

"  Yes,  yes,"  ejaculated  the  prize-master,  "  we  shall 
have  a  few  more  chases  and  hard  knocks,  through  the 
rashness  of  the  skipper,  and  then  we  shall  spend  some 
time  on  shore,  in  a  British  prison." 

"  That  would  not  be  quite  as  acceptable  to  my  mind," 
22 


264  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

replied  the  Down  Easter,  "  and  although  I  can't  say  I 
like  dodging  about  in  this  craft,  yet  I  should  greatly  pre 
fer  a  birth  in  this  ward-room,  to  being  locked  up  in  the 
narrow  compass  of  the  prison  and  prison  yard." 

"  If  I'm  any  judge  of  men,"  observed  the  prize-mas 
ter,  "  this  mad-cap  skipper  of  ours  will  make  a  bold 
dash  up  the  Channel,  and  1  should  'nt  wonder  if  he  de 
clared  the  whole  British  coast  in  a  state  of  blockade." 

"  As  to  that,"  replied  the  Down  Easter,  "  it  will  not 
be  of  so  much  consequence  if  he  does  not  madly  rush  into 
danger,  without  a  probability  of  escape  ;  but  at  all 
events,  it  is  more  than  likely  that  you  would  be  on  board 
of  some  prize,  as  there  are  but  two  of  you  left." 

How  long  this  interesting  conversation  might  have 
lasted  is  not  exactly  known,  but  it  was  suddenly  inter 
rupted  by  a  report  from  the  mast  head  that  a  sail  was 
in  sight. 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

CHOPS  OF  THE  CHANNEL,  FOG,  ETC. 

THE  events  of  the  last  week  having  terminated  so 
unfavorably,  especially  the  action  with  the  British 
Packet,  wrought  an  entire  change  in  the  tempera 
ment  and  actions  of  the  Commander.  The  impet 
uosity  and  rashness,  which  had  marked  his  course  during 
the  former  part  of  the  cruise,  entirely  forsook  him,  and 
the  opposite  extreme  of  indecision  and  apathetic  indiffer 
ence  took  its  place.  The  fact  of  a  sail  being  in  sight, 
which,  in  any  former  part  of  the  cruise,  would  have 
roused  him  to  the  highest  pitch  of  excitement,  was  now 
nearly  disregarded,  so  much  so  that  he  scarcely  e^j|ib- 
ited  sufficient  interest  to  look  at  her  with  the  glass. 
There  were  several  causes  which  might  have  produced 
this  alteration ;  first,  he  well  knew  that  his  own  rash 
ness  had  not  only  blasted  the  prospects  of  a  brilliant 
"cruise,  and  his  false  judgment  in  many  instances  jeop 
ardized  the  lives  of  the  crew,  but  his  ambition  also 
received  a  deep  cut,  for  that  respect  which  was  due  to 
him  as  the  Commander,  was  now  transferred  to  the  first 
lieutenant. 

Disappointment  and  chagrin  had  also  brought  on  a 

255 


256  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

state  of  despondency  among  the  officers  and  crew.  No 
interest,  no  speculation,  no  excitement  was  seen  or  ap 
peared  to  be  felt  by  them,  although,  like  the  Com 
mander,  they  would  have  been  all  excitement  under  the 
same  circumstances  previous  to  this  period.  With  the 
exception  of  the  first  lieutenant's,  not  a  glass  was  in  re 
quisition.  He  alone,  among  the  officers  and  crew, 
maintained  a  high  and  manly  bearing,  coolness,  and 
intrepidity,  a  sound  judgment,  and  the  most  perfect 
equanimity,  which  no  reverse  of  fortune,  or  change  of 
circumstances,  or  peril,  or  danger  could  shake,  or  alter 
for  a  moment  his  steady  and  unwavering  purpose.  He 
descended  into  the  captain's  cabin,  where  he  found  him 
sitting  with  his  elbow  on  the  table,  and  his  head  reclined 
on  his  hand,  as  if  he  were  in  a  deep  reverie. 

"Is  it  your  intention,  sir,"  inquired  the  lieutenant, 
"  to  look  after  the  stranger  ?  She  is  plainly  visible, 
and  her  courses  are  already  raised  from  the  deck  ;  she 
is  close  hauled,  standing  on  the  starboard  tack,  and  I 
judge  from  the  appearance  of  her  canvass,  square  yards, 
and  taut  rig,  that  she  is  a  British  frigate." 

The  last  word  was  scarcely  finished  when  the  Com 
mander  roused  from  his  seat,  his  eyes  flashing,  when  he 
immediately  sprang  on  deck,  and  seizing  a  spy-glass,  he 
fixed  a  long  and  searching  gaze  at  the  stranger,  at  the 
same  time  repeatedly  hailing  the  look-out  aloft.  The 
result  of  this  inspection  corroborated  the  opinion  of  the 
first  lieutenant,  for  he  quickly  observed, 

"  I  believe  she  is  a  man-of-war ;  however,  we  shall 
know  by  and  by,  for  when  she  gets  in  our  wake,  if  my 


• 

THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  25V 

opinion  is  correct,  she  will  tack  after  us,  and  give  us 
chase." 

The  hands  were  now  turned  up,  and  every  prepara 
tion  was  made  to  dress  the  Cruiser  with  all  the  canvass 
that  could  be  set  close-hauled.  In  less  than  half  an  hour 
the  stranger  had  ranged  up  into  the  wake,  and  there 
was  no  mistake  at  this  time  in  the  opinion  of  the  Com 
mander,  for  the  look-out  reported  that  the  ship  astern 
was  now  in  stays.  The  distance  between  the  two  ves 
sels  was  judged  to  be  two  and  a  half  leagues.  Every 
yard  of  canvass  was  spread  that  could  be  set  to  advan 
tage  upon  a  wind,  and  very  shortly  the  speed  of  the 
Cruiser  was  greatly  increased.  The  chase  was  kept  up 
during  the  remainder  of  the  day,  and  there  was  no  per- 
•  ceptible  gain  on  either  side.  Night  closed  in,  and  of 
course  with  it  the  chase  was  lost  sight  of.  During  the 
whole  night,  a  heavy  press  of  sail  was  carried  on,  and 
toward  morning,  the  wind  hauled  to  the  S.  W.,  with 
thick  cloudy  weather,  and  at  daylight  the  ship  was  out 
of  sight. 

The  wounded  men  were  now  recovering  rapidly/ 
some  of  them  were  already  convalescent,  and  the  boat 
swain,  whose  wound  was  slight,  once  more  resumed  his 
station  on  deck  for  actual  service.  The  crew,  however, 
were  yet  in  a  weakened  condition,  consequently  there 
was  but  little  disposition  manifested  to  push  the  Cruiser 
on  to  her  intended  destination. 

The  state  of  things  which  now  existed  was  truly  de 
plorable.  Indecision  on  the  part  of  the  Commander, 
arid  the  despondency  of  the  crew,  rendered  the  Cruiser, 
22* 


258  THE  AMERICAS  CRUISER. 

at  this  time,  unlit  for  any  rencontre  with  the  enemy,  and 
indeed,  it  would  have  been  infinitely  better  to  have 
shaped  a  course  for  the  United  States,  and  made  an  end 
of  the  cruise,  than  to  have  run  into  peril  and  danger,  in 
the  present  state  of  the  Cruiser  and  her  crew.  No  de 
finite  action,  however,  was  taken  either  way,  and  the 
Cruiser  was  suffered  to  jog  on  her  course,  without  any 
apparent  decision  in  regard  to  her  next  operations. 

Day  after  day  passed  away,  and  nothing  transpired 
to  change  or  alter  the  state  of  feeling,  or  to  rouse  the 
crew  from  the  dull  monotony  which  had  gathered  over 
them.  At  length,  however,  the  lead  being  cast,  and 
soundings  struck  in  the  Chops  ef  the  Irish  Channel,  it 
produced  an  excitement,  from  the  fact  that  every  mo 
ment  they  were  in  constant  expectation  of  falling  in 
with  men-of-war,  as  well  as  merchant  vessels  ;  it  was 
also  the  season  for  heavy  mists  and  fogs,  which  are  so 
prevalent  on  the  British  coast.  This  was  an  additional 
danger,  which  could  not  be  controlled  by  human  pru 
dence  or  foresight,  and  therefore  rendered  the  situation  of 
the  Cruiser  more  perilous  than  she  otherwise  could  have 
been.  This  combination,  however,  produced  a  happy 
change  among  the  officers  and  crew,  for  the  salvation  of 
the  Cruiser,  and  the  ultimate  and  speedy  conclusion 
of  the  cruise,  as  well  as  their  own  freedom  and  liberty, 
now  depended  on  their  good  conduct  and  bravery  ;  they 
were  well  convinced  of  this,  and  it  had  the  effect  of  pro 
ducing  a  reaction  upon  all  their  subsequent  movements. 
The  manly  bearing  of  the  first  lieutenant,  his  evenness 
of  mind,  which  no  circumstance  elated  or  depressed,  had 


THE    AMERICAN     CRUISER. 

also  inspired  the  Commander  at  least  with  a  degree  of 
the  same  feeling.  Thus,  then,  we  have  endeavored  to 
describe  the  condition  of  the  Cruiser  and  her  crew  on 
her  arrival  at  the  cruising  ground. 

It  was  after  one  of  those  long  nights  in  the  month  of 
December,  nearly  in  the  parallel  of  50  deg.  north,  the 
wind  blowing  at  the  same  time  from  the  south-west,  that 
the  crew,  when  daylight  broke,  were  almost  transfixed 
to  the  deck  with  a  sight  so  appalling  that  it  made  the 
stoutest  hearts  to  quail.  The  whole  hemisphere  in  that 
region  from  whence  the  wind  came,  appeared  like  a 
moving  mass,  as  if  the  whole  Island  of  Britain  had  its 
foundation  unloosed,  and  was  driven  along  by  the  wind. 
As  the  morning  light  advanced,  and  the  south-west  wind 
increased,  it  had  the  appearance  of  a  terrific  white 
squall,  driving  furiously  toward  the  Cruiser.  In  ad 
vance  of  this  apparent  phenomena,  there  appeared  to  be 
a  huge  mass  of  black  water,  piled  in  heaps,  and  from 
its  immense  height  and  apparent  velocity,  threatened 
to  engulph  the  Cruiser  in  immediate  destruction.  She 
was  instantaneously  stripped  of  every  yard  of  canvass, 
and  made  ready  for  the  awful  conflict,  which  was  every 
moment  expected  to  ensue.  After  a  few  moments  of 
suspense,  in  which  neither  the  Isle  of  the  Ocean,  nor 
the  white  squall  came  into  collision  with  the  Cruiser,  the 
truth  of  this  marvellous  appearance  flashed  upon  every 
mind,  for  it  was  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a  dense  mist 
which  had  risen  in  the  distant  seaboard,  and  which  had 
shrouded  the  whole  of  that  quarter  in  obscurity,  and  had 
assumed  the  appearances  which  had  BO  terrified  and 


260  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

affrighted  the  crew.  The  sea  of  fog,  that  lay  above  the 
watery  sea,  was  about  seventy  feet  in  height,  and 
seemed  to  be  moving  towards  the  Cruiser,  before  the 
south-westerly  wind,  Avhich  wafted  the  vessel  on.  Its 
surface,  as  viewed  from  the  deck,  was  undulating  and 
restless,  like  the  billowy  ocean,  now  curling  upward  in 
fantastic  wreaths  like  smoke,  now  tossing  and  eddying  in 
feathery  streamers,  as  the  fickle  wind  sported  with  it 
at  its  will.  Sometimes  masses  of  the  misty  vapor  would 
heave  themselves  into  the  air  above  the  general  surface, 
in  cloudy  pinnacles,  till  the  breeze  would  break  and 
scatter  them,  dissolving  in  air  as  they  flew.  In  a 
short  time,  as  the  Cruiser  was  under  easy  sail,  the 
whole  mass  moved  along  with  the  breeze,  and  presently 
she  was  enveloped  in  $  dense  and  impenetrable  fog. 

This  was  a  more  fearful  situation,  than  a  hard  chase, 
or  severe  action,  from  the  fact  that  there  could  be  no 
means  of  escape,  in  the  event  of  falling  in  with  an 
enemy  of  superior  force,  and  the  dense  mist  would  also 
prevent  the  possibility  of  making  any  Captures,  unless 
mere  chance  would  throw  them  into  collision  or  contact. 
There  was,  however,  from  the  height  of  the  fog,  a  pos 
sibility  to  get  sight  of  the  mast-head  of  any  taut-rigged 
vessel  that  might  not  be  too  far  distant.  Again,  there 
was  a  bare  possibility  to  discover  a  sail,  if  the  sight  was 
fixed  near  the  surface  of  the  water,  for  it  will  be  recol 
lected  by  all  those -who  have  knowledge  and  experience 
in  these  matters,  that  there  is  a  short  space  between 
the  surface  of  the  water  and  the  lower  edges  of  a  dense 
fog.  These,  then,  were  all  the  chances  at  present  for 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


the  discovery  of  vessels,  upon  which  the  safety  of  the 
Cruiser  measurably  depended  ;  and  these  were  improved 
to  the  best  advantage,  for  it  became  a  matter  of  great 
uncertainty,  as  the  wind  had  died  away,  when  this  thick 
fog  would  be  dispelled. 

"  I  believe,"  observed  the  Commander  to  the  first 
lieutenant,  "  that  these  fogs  sometimes  last  for  days, 
especially  when  the  wind  is  light  at  S.  W.,  as  is  the 
case  at  present.  The  fogs  on  the  British  coast  are  fre 
quent,  and  sometimes  of  long  duration,  and  are"  often 
very  disastrous  to  vessels  in  the  Channels,  and  it  often 
becomes  necessary  to  keep  up  a  constant  firing  of  can 
non,  or  tolling  of  the  ship's  bells,  in  order  to  avoid  col 
lision  with  vessels  on  opposite  courses  or  different  tacks." 

"  The  perils  of  war,  however,"  replied  the  first  lieu 
tenant,  "  prevent  us  from  taking  advantage  of  this 
method,  for  it  would  endanger  our  safety  yet  more  than 
it  is  at  present,  so  that  in  my  judgment  the  most  pro 
found  silence  should  be  maintained  (during  the  preva 
lence  of  this  mist,)  not  only  among  the  crew,  but  I 
should  think  that  every  block,  spar,  yard,  with  all  the 
rigging,  should  be  secured  and  put  in  such  a  manner, 
that  the  least  possible  noise  might  be  heard  from  them. 
This  I  would  recommend  as  a  matter  of  security,  for  I 
have  often  been  in  a  light  wind,  and  the  fog  so  dense, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  discover  any  object  one  yard 
ahead  of  the  vessel,  and  at  the  same  time  I  have  heard 
the  creaking  of  blocks,  or  spars,  or  the  flapping  of  can 
vass,  when  the  vessel  has  been  at  least  three  or  four 
hundred  vards  distant.'* 


THE   AMERICAN   CRUISES. 


"  It  is  very  true,"  observed  the  Commander,  "  I  like 
your  suggestion,  and  we  will  endeavor  to  use  every 
precaution,  so  let  all  the  sails  be  lowered  and  stopped, 
as  well  as  the  other  means  applied  to  prevent  noise  and 
surprise." 

It  was  not  long  before  the  first  lieutenant,  by  his 
promptness  in  having  the  orders  of  the  Commander 
executed,  had  the  Cruiser  as  noiseless  as  an  albatross 
that  floats  on  the  top  of  a  mountain  billow,  sleeping 
•with  its  head  under  the  wing. 

These  preparations  were  scarcely  finished,  when  the 
look-out  from  the  top-gallant-yard  reported  that  the 
mast-heads  of  a  vessel  were  in  sight  on  the  larboard 
quarter.  This  was  all  that  could  be  ascertained,  but  as 
it  was  a  leading  breeze  to  that  point  where  the  strange 
sail  was  discovered,  it  was  determined  to  proceed  with 
great  caution,  and  if  possible  ascertain  her  character. 
Although  this  movement  would  be  attended  with  some 
hazard,  yet  as  there  was  now  a  unity  of  feeling  and 
action  among  the  officers  and  crew,  and  as  the  Cruiser 
had  decidedly  the  advantage  of  being  undiscovered,  and 
again,  as  they  were  all  deeply  anxious  to  bring  this  pro 
tracted  cruise  to  a  termination,  they  resolved  to  run  the 
hazard.  As  the  head  of  the  Cruiser  was  put  in  the  di 
rection  of  the  strange  sail,  of  course  the  deepest  anxiety 
prevailed,  and  she  proceeded  with  a  silence  so  profound, 
that  if  she  had  been  fallen  in  with  during  the  night,  she 
might  well  have  been  taken  for  a  haunted  vessel.  Even 
the  reports  from  the  masthead  were  conveyed  in  silence 
by  a  second  person,  who  alternately  went  up  and  down. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  263 

It  was  very  soon  reported  that  the  dense  fog  had  risen, 
and  that  the  mast-heads  of  the  stranger  were  no  longer 
to  be  seen.  A  long  and  scrutinizing  gaze  was  now 
made  from  the  boat,  (which  had  been  hoisted  out  for 
that  purpose,)  near  the  surface  of  the  water,  but  in 
vain ;  no  trace  of  the  stranger  was  seen  from  below,  or 
aloft.  The  Cruiser  held  on  her  course  in  the  direction 
that  the  stranger  was  first  seen,  for  nearly  two  hours, 
when  it  was  judged,  that  unless  she  was  steering  the 
same  course,  she  must  by  this  time  be  up  with  her,  or 
had  run  past  her. 

"  In  my  opinion,"  observed  the  Commander  to  the 
first  lieutenant,  "  we  had  better  take  in  sail,  for  it  13 
perfectly  useless  to  dodge  about  in  this  way  on  wild 
goose  chase." 

"  Hist,  silence  !  what  noise  is  that  I  hear  ?  "  said  the 
first  lieutenant  in  a  hurried  tone. 

The  next  minute  there  was  death-like  silence,  and  the 
creaking  of  blocks,  and  a  noise  as  if  from  the  flapping 
of  sails,  was  distinctly  heard  on  the  larboard  beam. 
From  the  distinctness  and  clearness  with  which  these 
sounds  were  heard,  the  strange  sail  could  not  be  more 
than  two  or  three  hundred  yards  distant.  From  the 
proximity  of  the  two,  the  greatest  precaution  was  neces 
sary.  To  close  with  the  stranger  without  having  some 
knowledge  of  her,  would  be  madness,  and  to  remain 
stationary,  would  (if  the  fog  continued,)  preclude  the 
possibility  of  ascertaining  whether  the  strange  sail  was 
a  man-of-war  or  not.  They  were,  however,  not  long  in 
suspense,  for  the  look-out  at  the  surface  of  the  water 


264  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

reported  that  he  could  see  the  lower  part  of  the  hull  of 
a  vessel  of  great  length,  and  that  her  head  was  to  the 
eastward. 

"  The  stranger  has  seen  us,  I  believe,"  observed  the 
Commander,  "  for  it  is  evident  from  his  bearings,  that 
she  could  not  be  in  that  position  with  her  head  to  the 
eastward,  if  she  had  been  steering  that  course  from  the 
time  we  first  saw  her,  and  should  this  fog  suddenly 
clear  away,  and  my  conjectures  are  right,  without  doubt 
she  is  a  man-of-war, — I  say  then,  if  this  fog  should  clear 
away,  our  capture  would  be  inevitable." 

The  boat  was  hoisted  in  as  noiselessly  as  possible,  all 
sail  was  then  set,  and  the  Cruiser's  head  was  put  to  the 
westward.  At  sunset  the  fog  had  cleared  away,  so 
that  the  whole  eastern  hemisphere  presented  a  clear 
blue  expanse  of  waters,  and  a  well-defined  horizon,  with 
a  sail  far  away  in  the  distant  eastern  board. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

THE  YOUNG  SEAMAN'S  NARRATIVE  CONTINUED. 

IF  the  day  had  been  obscured  by  the  dense  gloom  of 
an  impenetrable  fog,  the  night,  as  if  to  return  good  for 
evil,  was  entirely  the  reverse :  the  moon  rose  in  ma 
jestic  splendor,  scattering  her  golden  rays,  and  tinging 
the  clouds,  which  when  reflected  on  the  deep  blue  sea, 
presented  to  a  fervid  imagination  a  thousand  beautiful 
images,  that  might  have  been  personified  into  real  life. 
As  she  ascended  into  the  azure  vault,  the  clouds  which 
had  been  beautified  by  her  rays,  now  disappeared, 
and  the  twinkling  stars,  as  if  ashamed  of  their  dim 
inutive  light,  receded  before  the  broad  blaze  of  the 
nightly  luminary,  leaving  here  and  there  only  a  bright 
planet,  or  star  of  the  first  magnitude.  As  she  sailed 
along  high  in  the  heavens,  the  brightness  of  her  light, 
which  had  partially  obscured  the  distant  horizon,  was 
so  universally  diffused  around  the  hemisphere,  that 
an  unobscured  and  well-defined  horizon  might  be  seen 
wherever  the  sky  seemed  to  meet  and  kiss  the  fathom 
less  deep.  Her  shining  light  falling  on  the  broad  ex 
panse,  shadowed  forth  a  long  line  of  intense  brightness, 
and  the  rippling  sea,  as  it  rose  from  the  agitation  of  the 
23  265 


266  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

wind,  ever  and  anon  sent  forth  innumerable  sparkling 
gems,  which  might  be  traced  far  away  in  the  distant 
seaboard.  The  western  breeze  blew  gently,  and  the 
Bruiser  being  under  short  sail,  was  slowly  impelled, 
with  a  noiselessness  so  profound,  that  not  even  the 
breaking  of  the  water  at  her  bows  was  heard. 

The  high  excitement  of  the  day  had  now  produced  a 
severe  reaction,  and  the  officers  and  crew,  as  if  by 
common  consent,  had  (except  a  few  of  the  watch,  the 
Commander,  helmsman,  and  officer  of  the  deck,)  fallen 
into  a  sound  sleep  ;  naught  was  heard  except  the  flap 
ping  of  the  low  sail  as  she  rolled  to  windward,  or  the 
creaking  of  the  yards ;  and  a  contemplative  mind,  in  a 
scene  like  this,  might  have  subsisted  on  its  sublimity  for 
hours. 

"  How  different  is  this  scene,"  observed  the  young 
seaman  to  the  boatswain,  as  they  were  walking  the 
main-deck  together,  "  to  that  of  the  day  which  is  now 
past.  How  often  have  I,  in  such  a  night  as  this,  when 
the  gallant  ship  has  been  impelled  through  the  water  by 
the  steady  trade  wind ;  how  often,  in  pacing  the 
deck  during  my  watch,  has  my  mind  dwelt  with  rapture 
on  future  scenes  of  happiness,  which,  alas !  had  their 
only  existence  in  my  poor  heart,  and  were  never,  never 
destined  to  have  a  brighter  reality.  Ah !  my  friend,"  he 
continued,  "  our  day  dreams  and  night  visions  of  hap 
piness  have  their  greatest  enjoyment  in  the  anticipation ; 
for  behold,  how  few  realize  what  they  have  in  prospect, 
and  when  the  chances  of  reality  accumulate,  and  hope's 
expectations  are  wrought  to  the  highest  point,  at  the 


THB    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  267 

moment,  when  we  are  just  about  to  seize  the  prize, 
it  eludes  our  grasp,  and  vanishes  away,  leaving  not 
a  wreck  behind.  Now  I  would  not  disturb  your 
feelings,  that  have  been  induced  by  the  calm  serenity 
of  this  night,  yet,  my  friend,  the  day  past,  which  has 
been  shrouded  in  gloom  and  obscurity,  together  with  the 
dangers  we  have  escaped,  was  more  congenial  to  my 
feelings,  than  this  night  which  is  marked  with  so  much 
beauty  and  magnificence.  I  know  not  how  it  is,  but 
as  this  cruise  winds  along  to  its  termination,  thoughts 
crowd  over  my  mind,  of  a  dark  and  foreboding  nature. 
It  is  true  we  have  made  many  narrow  escapes,  and  you 
and  I  have  neither  lost  life  nor  limb  ;  yet  mark  the 
condition  of  this  Cruiser  and  her  crew,  weakened  as  she 
is  in  her  complement  of  men,  and  even  those  who  are 
now  on  board,  not  capable  of  actual  service.  Mark 
again,  the  alteration  in  the  temper  of  our  Commander, 
and  then  you  will  agree  with  me  that  we  are  not  in  a  fit 
condition  to  remain  on  this  cruising  ground,  and  further, 
if  my  judgment  does  not  deceive  me,  such  is  the  peculiar 
state  of  the  skipper,  that  it  would  not  cost  him  many 
hours  of  sorrow,  if  this  craft  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
British.  I  do  not  mean  that  he  would  not  gal 
lantly  defend  her,  so  far  as  his  courage  is  concerned, 
yet  if  she  is  captured  by  a  superior  force,  mark  what  I 
now  say :  the  stars  and  stripes  will  not  be  hauled  down, 
until  this  craft  is  literally  cut  to  pieces." 

"  Well,»well,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  I  don't  think 
you  're  the  chap  to  flinch,  but  I  do  n't  see  that  there 's 
any  fun  in  fighting  a  frigate  or  a  line-of-battle  ship,  if 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


we  get  under  their  shooting  irons,  nor  do  I  see  any  use 
in  nailing  the  colors  to  the  mast-head,  to  be  shot  at  like 
a  parcel  of  dogs,  when  the  fortune  of  war  chanced  to 
throw  us  in  the  power  of  the  enemy.  I'll  tell  you 
what,  messmate,"  he  continued,  "  this  craft  has  been 
poorly  managed,  and  I  begin  to  think  like  yourself,  that 
it  '11  wind  up  at  last  with  some  rash  act,  that  will  put 
her  in  the  possession  of  the  British,  and  you  and  I  (if 
we  do  n't  lose  the  number  of  our  mess,)  will  have  a 
place  where  the  dogs  won't  bark  at  us.  I  've  been 
thinking,"  he  continued,  "  that  this  cruise  will  soon 
come  to  an  end  one  way  or  the  other,  and  now,  mess 
mate,  if  we  should  be  taken,  why  d'  ye  see,  we  may  be 
parted  for  a  long  time,  or  p'erhaps  we  may  never  meet 
again.  Now  if  it  should  please  God  that  I  should  slip 
my  moorings  first,  why  then  all  that  I  've  got  in  this 
world,  (and  that 's  not  much,  excepting  my  prize-money 
in  this  craft,  and  a  few  shiners  in  the  Savings'  Bank  hi 
York,)  I  say  all  I  've  got  is  yours.  Only  just  give  me 
your  word,  that  if  I'm  popped  off  the  hooks  by  a 
chance  shot  from  the  enemy,  your  own  hands  will  lash 
the  hammock  that  contains  my  mortal  body,  and  you 
will  see  me  decently  buried  in  the  blue  ocean.  Promise 
me  this,  and  then  your  old  messmate,  whenever  the 
order  comes,  I  trust  will  be  ready  to  heave  up  his 
anchor,  and  make  sail  for  the  good  port.  I  '11  tell  you 
what,  messmate,  since  we  had  that  bit  of  small  talk  the 
other  day,  I  've  been  overhauling  my  reck'nmgs,  and  it 
just  puts  me  in  mind  of  what  old  marm  used  to  say, 
when  I  'd  slip  home  after  a  long  cruise  at  sea  ;  but  then 


THE    AMERICAN    CRDISEU,  269 

I  was  a  wild,  rattlebrain,  harum  scarum  kind  of  a  chap, 
and  did  n't  much  care  about  .such  things ;  but, 
messmate,  since  I've  been  hi  your  company,  and 
tracked  your  course  all  along,  and  see  that  you  're  not 
the  chap  to  flinch  when  danger  comes,  or  dodge  at  a 
shot,  or  hang  back  when  the  boarders  are  called,  I  say 
I  've  looked  at  all  these  matters,  at  the  same  time  you 
do  n't  drink  grog,  nor  rip  out  oaths,  and  you  're  good 
and  kind  to  all  hands,  obedient  to  every  order,  and  re 
spected  by  every  man  fore  and  aft.  I  say,  thinks  I  to 
myself,  I  '11  just  try  to  get  on  the  same  tack,  and  steer 
the  same  course,  with  my  messmate,  so  as  to  get  the 
good  Pilot  on  board." 

The  young  seaman  grasped  the  hand  of  his  friend 
passionately,  exclaiming : 

"  Nature  has  made  you  my  superior.  I  would  now 
in  return  get  the  same  promise  from  you,  should  it 
please  God  to  call  me  away  first,  that  your  own  hand 
should  pay  the  last  sad  office  to  my  mortal  re 
mains,  whether  on  the  ocean  or  on  the  land ;  and  to 
you,  my  friend,  do  I  give  most  cheerfully  all  that  I 
have  in  this  world ;  nay,  it  belongs  to  you  and  more, 
even  my  life  itself,  for  you  have  saved  it  more  than  once 
at  the  risk  of  your  own." 

The  two  friends  were  now  so  completely  overpowered 
by  their  emotions,  that  they  remained  for  some  time 
in  deep  silence,  until  the  boatswain  broke  the  spell, 
by  inquiring  of  the  young  seaman  when  he  would 
finish  his  yarn. 

"  As  we  have  yet  two  hours  on  deck,"  he  replied, 

23* 


270  IHB    AMERICAS     CRUISES, 

"  and  perhaps  shall  never  have  a  better  opportunity, 
and  as  my  feelings  are  suited  fo  its  melancholy  conclu 
sion,  I  will  endeavor  to  proceed. 

"  Again  I  embarked  on  a  second  voyage  to  the  East 
Indies,  and  such  was  my  application  to  obtain  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  seamanship  and  navigation,  that 
at  the  expiration  of  the  passage,  I  felt  that  I  was  com 
petent  to  discharge  the  duty  of  an  officer,  and  deter 
mined  not  to  hesitate,  if  an  offer  were  made.  It  was 
not  long  before  an  opportunity  presented,  for  the  second 
officer's  berth  on  board  of  our  ship ;  for  the  person  who 
had  filled  that  station  on  the  passage,  was  discharged 
for  disobedience  of  orders,  and  drunkenness.  It  is  true, 
it  was  rather  an  unpleasant  matter  to  sustain  this  rela 
tion,  with  the  same  crew,  and  on  board  of  the  same 
ship,  in  which  I  had  been  before  the  mast ;  for  you 
know,  messmate,  that  a  second  officer  is  something  be 
tween  an  officer  and  seaman  in  a  merchant  ship,  and  is 
also  a  kind  of  servant  for  both  sides.  I  accepted  the 
berth,  however,  and  although  there  were  many  jeerings, 
such  as,  '  our  second  dickey,'  and  '  you  won't  speak  to  a 
chap,  now  you  've  got  a  handle  to  your  name  ; '  these, 
and  many  other  strokes  of  sailor's  wit,  were  thrown  at 
me,  all  of  which  I  regarded  not,  but  persevered  dili 
gently  in  the  discharge  of  my  duty,  during  the  re 
mainder  of  the  voyage,  at  the  conclusion  of  which  I  had 
the  satisfaction  of  not  only  meeting  with  the  appro 
bation  of  my  superiors,  but  was  also  offered  a  chief 
mate's  berth  in  an  Indiaman  belonging  to  the  same 
employ. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  271 

"  After  our  arrival  I  lost  no  time  in  writing  to  her 
who  now  held  my  future  destiny.  Our  correspondence 
was  marked  with  the  purest  strains  of  virtuous  love. 
Often  when  I  received  her  letters,  and  after  perusing 
the  warm  breathings  of  a  heart  so  devoted,  and  so  con 
stant  to  one  that  was  every  way  unworthy  of  her  love, 
I  resolved  to  break  my  promise  and  see  her  again,  and 
throw  myself  in  the  embraces  of  her  who  was  now  more 
than  all  the  world  or  even  life  itself  to  me  ;  but  then  re 
flection  taught  me,  if  I  sacrificed  my  honor  to  this 
passion,  she  would  then  have  cause  to  withdraw  her  con 
fidence,  which  would  be  worse  than  death.  My  mind  was 
so  entirely  engrossed,  and  the  ardor  of  my  affection  so 
strong,  that  I  was  compelled  to  fly  from  myself,  and 
seek  in  the  gayety  and  bustle  of  the  city  other  objects 
on  which  the  current  of  my  thoughts  and .  reflections 
might  change  their  course.  With  this  determination  T 
sallied  forth,  without  any  definite  end  in  view,  until  I 
found  myself  walking. at  a  rapid  pace,  down  a  narrow 
street  which  led  to  the  more  frequented  and  gayer 
scenes  of  the  city.  When  I  had  nearly  reached  the 
end  of  this  street,  I  encountered  a  man  who  waa 
walking  in  the  opposite  direction.  The  moment  we 
came  in  contact,  I  raised  my  eyes,  fixing  them  on  the 
person  before  me,  and  suddenly  starting  back,  recog 
nized  the  infamous  wretch  who  had  been  the  author  of 
all  my  woes.  He  spoke  not  a  word,  yet  he  cast  upon 
me  a  look  of  the  proudest  disdain  and  triumph.  *  You 
are  a  villain  ! '  I  pronounced  in  an  audible  voice.  His 
dark  countenance  changed  into  a  savage  ferocity,  and 


272  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

his  eyes  flashed  the  fire  of  rage,  yet  not  a  word  escaped 
his  lips,  and  he  passed  on. 

"  With  hurried  steps  I  regained  my  lodgings,  scarcely 
knowing  what  step  to  pursue,  for  this  encounter  had 
called  up  all  the  melancholy  associations  of  my  past 
life.  I  had  once  more  met  the  author  of  my  ruin,  the 
ruin  of  my  father's  house,  and  one  who  had  been  instru- 
mentally  the  cause  of  hurrying  my -honored  parents  to 
the  grave.  Yes,  I  had  encountered  the  man  who, 
under  the  garb  of  friendship,  robbed  me  of  my  fortune, 
reputation,  and  honor,  and  but  for  him  I  should  have 
been  in  the  possession  of  all  that  could  render  life 
happy ;  and  to  make  up  the  catalogue  of  woes,  he  too 
was  the  cause  of  banishment  from  my  home,  and  sent 
me  forth  as  a  wanderer,  to  acquire  a  reputation  which 
had  been  wrested  from  me  by  his  repeated  acts  of  vil- 
lany  and  fraud.  These  associations,  one  after  another, 
crowded  upon  my  mind,  and  so  entirely  occupied  my 
thoughts  and  feelings,  that  madness  and  revenge  got 
the  complete  ascendency,  and  my  uncurbed  and  un 
bridled  passion,  being  wrought  up  nearly  to  phrenzy,  I 
swore  in  that  moment  to  have  redress  for  all  my  wrongs. 
I  neither  saw  nor  heard  from  the  detestable  villain  the 
whole  of  the  day,  during  which  a  thousand  plans  were 
suggested  by  my  bewildered  brain,  to  execute  that  deep 
revenge  which  had  now  gotten  entire  possession  of  me. 
Sometimes  I  determined  to  call  him  out,  and  settle  the 
affair,  in  the  way  the  world  falsely  denominates  honor ; 
that  is,  by  exchanging  shots  with  pistols  at  the  distance 
of  ten  paces.  Again,  I  determined  to  reek  my  ven- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  273 

geance  by  giving  him  a  severe  castigation  with  a  horse 
whip  in  some  public  place.  These  thoughts  occupied  my 
mind  until  a  late  hour  at  night,  and  I  still  found  myself 
without  any  fixed  purpose  of  action.  Nearly  bewildered 
in  mind,  and  all  the  bad  passions  working  upon  wild  and 
heated  imagination,  my  brain  whirled,  and  I  threw 
myself  on  the  bed,  to  seek  that  repose  which  my 
tumultuous  passions  had  so  greatly  disturbed. 

"  Broken  slumbers  soon  took  possession  of  my  frame. 
I  dreamed  that  the  gamester  and  myself  had  a  meeting, 
and  that  we  had  exchanged  three  shots,  mine  having 
taken  effect  the  second  time,  as  the  ball  passed  through 
his  heart,  and  he  instantly  expired.  This  awful  dream 
of  my  slumbers  continued  to  harass  my  mind  almost 
beyond  endurance,  for  I  dreamed  that  I  looked  upon 
his  blood,  his  wound  and  ghastly  remains,  with  a  mali 
cious  pleasure  that  completely  satiated  my  revenge. 
Then  again,  as  if  the  mighty  phantom  sought  to  harrow 
up  my  soul,  I  dreamed  that  I  was  a  murderer,  that  I 
was  guilty  in  the  sight  of  a  just  and  holy  Being,  that  I 
had  offended  against  the  law,  that  I  must  now  seek 
refuge  from  its  penalty,  and  become  an  outcast  in  so 
ciety.  Then,  as  if  to  cap  the  climax,  I  dreamed  of 

E ,  her   constancy  and  love  remained  unshaken, 

until  ^he  received  the  dreadful  intelligence  of  my  ren 
contre  with  the  gamester,  which  fell  upon  her  ear  and 
her  heart  as  the  death-knell  of  those  in  whom  all  our 
hopes  of  happiness  centre  in  this  world.  The  voice, 
look,  and  figure  of  her,  who  now  lay  prostrate  in  a 
swoon  at  the  receipt  of  this  intelligence,  all,  all  were 


274  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

before  me  in  my  slumbering  imagination.  It  was  too 
much.  I  started  from  my  couch,  and  when  I  was 
entirely  conscious  of  being  awake,  the  subject  of  my 
visions  floated  across  my  brain,  as  matters  of  real  ex 
istence.  With  hurried  steps  I  paced  my  chamber,  and 
it  was  long  ere  my  disturbed  imagination  was  sufficiently 
composed  to  recognize  that  the  dreams  of  the  past  few 
hours  had  no  existence  except  in  the  slumbering  phan 
toms  of  the  brain. 

"  At  ten  o'clock  the  following  morning,  I  was  startled 
by  a  rap  at  my  door.  The  servant  entered,  and  an 
nounced  that  a  gentleman  was  in  waiting  to  see  me  on 
particular  business.  I  immediately  descended  into  the 
parlor,  and  beheld  an  exceedingly  well-dressed,  gentle 
manly  looking  man,  who  politely  accosted  me,  and  after 
the  customary  morning  salutation,  handed  me  a  note, 
the  seal  of  which  I  broke,  and  read  as  follows  : 

"'Sir: — On  a  former  occasion,  I  received  a  gross 
insult  from  you,  which  my  pity  for  your  youth  in 
duced  me  to  overlook  at  the  time,  but  you  have  seen 
proper  to  add  insult  to  injury  upon  an  unoffending  man, 
and  as  I  can  no  longer  brook  this  contumely,  I  re 
quest  that  you  will  meet  me  on ,  and  at , 

to  settle  this   affair,  with  such  weapons   as  the   laws 

of  honor  dictate.      The  bearer,  Mr.  S ,  who  is  my 

friend,  will  make  all  the  requisite  arrangements  for  this 
meeting.  Signed  H .' " 

At  this  moment,  the  watch  being  relieved,  the  two 
friends  -separated  for  the  night. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

IMPORTANT  INFORMATION  OP  THE  WEST  INDIA  AND  MEDITER 
RANEAN  FLEET  OP  MERCHANTMEN.  •» 

As  the  termination  of  this  cruise  depended  for  its 
success,  on  the  prudence,  management,  and  good  judg 
ment  of  him  who  had  the  control  of  it,  and  as  the  tem 
perament  of  that  person  had  undergone  a  manifest  al 
teration,  and  as  he  was  not  blind  in  regard  to  the  impor 
tance  of  the  first  lieutenant's  judgment  and  opinion, 
so  now  upon  all  occasions,  he  endeavored  to  ohtain 
those  opinions  before  he  would  act  in  any  matter  of 
great  importance.  In  short,  his  general  deportment, 
stability,  equanimity,  and  unwavering  courage,  had  se 
cured  for  him  the  esteem  and  confidence,  not  only  of  his 
brother  officers  and  the  crew,  but  also  of  the  Com 
mander. 

The  terms  of  intimacy  which  now  existed  between  the 
first  lieutenant  and  the  Commander,  had  a  very  salutary 
influence  upon  the  officers  and  crew ;  but  it  was  feared 
among  the  more  sagacious  that  this  compliance  on  the 
part  of  the  skipper  was  only  a  feint,  to  call  back  or  se 
cure  once  more  that  confidence  and  respect  which  was 
transferred  to  the  first  lieutenant,  and  that  it  was  only 

275 


276  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

requisite  to  present  some  circumstance  or  temptation  be 
fore  him,  in  order  to  rouse  into  action  that  impetuosity 
and  rashness  which  had  marked  his  conduct  previously, 
and  had  proved  so  detrimental  to  the  interest  of  the 
cruise.  Be  this  as  it  may,  there  was  at  present  an  air 
of  good  feeling  existing  throughout  the  Cruiser,  so  much 
so,  that  no  action  of  importance  was  executed  without  a 
general  consultation  with  all  the  officers.  Even  the 
ward  room,  which  had,  for  a  long  time,  been  the  scene 
of  discontent  and  dissatisfaction,  now  assumed  a  cheer 
fulness  that  was  quite  unusual  to  its  inmates. 

"  I  begin  to  think,"  said  the  old  prize-master,  "  that 
we  shall  make  a  good  cruise  of  it,  and  come  off  with 
flying  colors,  after  all." 

"  Well,"  returned  the  other,  "  it  won't  be  in  a  fog, 
any  how,  nor  it  won't  be  dodging  about  here,  for  in  my 
way  of  thinking,  evejy  craft  we  see  about  these  parts 
will  be  a  man-of-war ;  so,  then,  if  we  make  a  good 
cruise  according  to  your  notion,  we'll  have  to  get 
another  cruising  ground." 

"  Why  I  don't  know,"  replied  the  prize-master,  "  but 
that  you're  half  right ;  but  what  do  you  think  of  shoving 
this  craft  a  little  further  up  the  Channel  ?  " 

"  And  what  do  you  think,"  returned  the  Down  Easter, 
"  of  a  snug  berth  in  a  British  prison  ?  I  think  we  are 
just  near  enough  to  that  Island,  and  as  I  never  had 
much  liking  for  an  Englishman,  and  particularly  for 
long  confinement,  and  as  I  think  prudence  and  discre 
tion  are  the  better  parts  of  honor  as  well  as  valor,  why 
then,  rather  than  to  run  up  Channel,  I'd  sooner  see  the 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  277 

head  of  this  craft  put  to  the  westward,  steering  off  for 
Yankee  land." 

"  Well,  I  don't  believe  the  skipper  will  have  much 
respect  for  your  feelings,"  grunted  out  the  old  prize- 
master,  "  and  in  my  way  of  thinking  we  shall  finish  this 
cruise  before  many  days  roll  over  our  heads." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  that  ?  "  inquired  the  Down 
Easter. 

"  Mean,"  returned  the  other,  "  why  I  mean  just  this, 
that  in  my  opinion,  we  are  going  up  Channel,  and  that's 
all  one,  you  know,  as  running  the  gauntlet ;  so  when 
we  get  up  yonder,  we  shall  not  be  long  before  we  have 
plenty  of  work  one  way  or  the  other,  that  is,  we  shall 
fall  in  with  plenty  of  vessels,  and  they  will  either  be 
men-of-war  or  merchantmen.  Now  if  they  are  men-of- 
war,  why  then  the  game  is  up  with  us,  for  we  shall  be 
sure  to  be  taken,  and  then  the  cruise  is  finished.  Now 
if  we  should  happen  to  fall  in  with  merchant  vessels, 
and  make  two  or  three  prizes,  why  then,  in  that  case,  we 
shall  square  away  for  the  United  States ;  but  mind 
what  I  say,  if  we  should  take  any  prizes  in  this  region, 
it  would  be  little  less  than  a  miracle,  if  they  are  not  re 
captured." 

During  this  conversation,  to  which  the  officers  of  the 
ward-room  were  attentively  listening,  the  doctor  inquired 
very  gravely,  in  reference  to  the  capture  of  erasing 
vessels  by  the  enemy,  what  disposition  was  made  of  the 
surgeon. 

"  I  have  heard,"  he  continued,  that  they  are  consid 
ered  as  non-combatants,  consequently  they  are  not  put 
24 


278  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

under  close  confinement,  but  are  entitled,  with  the  cap 
tain  and  first  lieutenant,  to  their  parole." 

"  A  very  wise  consideration,"  replied  the  old  soaking 
prize-master,  "  on  the  part  of  the  British,  for  the  Lord 
himself  knows  that  they  could  have  afiixed  a  more  ap 
propriate  name  to  these  gentry,  except  that  some  credit 
may  be  given  to  them  for  the  shedding  of  blood." 

'•  That  may  be  true  with  many  of  them,"  observed 
the  Down  Easter,  "  but  our  surgeon  will  never  have 
that  sin  to  answer  for,  that  is,  I  mean  on  board  of  this 
craft.  Now  what  he  may  have  done  on  shore  in  the 
way  of  taking  off  arms  and  legs,  and  shedding  blood  in 
this  way,  is  not  for  me  to  say  ;  " — the  Down  Easter 
would  have  proceeded  farther,  but  was  suddenly  inter 
rupted  by  the  non-combatant,  who  remarked,  that  if 
the  patient,  upon  whom  he  had  performed  the  operation 
of  amputating  the  leg,  bled  to  death,  it  was  not  his  fault, 
because  the  operation  was  perforned  according  to  the 
laws  of  science  and  medical  practice. 

"  That  may  be,  but  the  Lord  help  me,"  said  the 
Down  Easter,  "  if  a  man  is  to  bleed  to  death  according 
to  the  laws  of  science,  and  that  science  to  be  exhibited 
by  such  practitioners,  who  don't  know  how  to  take  up 
the  arteries,  and  save  a  man's  life  ;  why  then  I  say,  the 
Lord  defend  me  from  such,  for  I  had  rather  the  ball 
would  pass  through  my  body  and  do  the  work  genteelly, 
than  to  come  under  the  cutting  and  slashing  of  many 
of  those  who  are  dubbed  with  the  title  of  M.  D." 

As  this  conversation  no  doubt  was  intended  for  the 
doctor,  and  as  it  applied  to  him  in  truth,  he  said  but 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  279 

little  in  his  own  defence,  and  after  a  confirmation  of  his 
suggestion,  in  regard  to  the  parole  of  surgeons,  he 
shrunk  back  into  one  corner  of  the  ward-room,  well 
satisfied  that  in  any  event  his  condition  would  not  be  as 
bad  as  that  of  any  other  part  of  the  crew. 

Morning  brought  with  it  one  of  those  beautiful  and 
bland  days,  which  are  so  rare  on  the  coast  of  England 
at  this  season  of  the  year.  The  wind  was  light,  the  sea 
smooth,  and  the  horizon  clearly  defined ;  the  look-out 
was  at  his  station  aloft  before  the  sun  made  his  appear 
ance,  while  the  practised  eye  of  the  seaman  (which  had 
been  strengthened  by  long  use,)  ranged  the_  whole  . 
circumference  of  the  horizon  by  a  long  and  searching 
gaze  ;  his  silence  proclaimed  the  intelligence  that  there 
were  not  any  vessels  in  sight.  The  customary 
duties  of  the  morning  watch  were  being  performed, 
and  when  finished,  seven  bells  denoted  the  welcome 
news  for  the  hour  of  breakfast.  This  necessary  duty 
being  performed,  and  the  watch  on  deck  at  their 
accustomed  duties,  the  officers  of  the  ward-room  were 
all  summoned  on  deck,  after  which  a  consultation 
began  as  follows : 

"  Gentlemen,"  observed  the  Commander,  "  I  have 
thought  proper  to  call  upon  you,  in  order  that  each  may 
give  his  opinion  in  regard  to  the  general  interest  of  thia 
cruise,  as  well  as  the  interest  of  each  one  of  us  in  par 
ticular.  You  are  all  aware  that  on  this  cruising  ground 
we  run  much  hazard,  and  in  this  particular  season  of 
the  year,  dense  mists  and  fogs  are  exceedingly  preva 
lent.  The  experience  of  one  day  alone  has  shown  us 


280  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER, 

that  little  can  be  done  with  any  degree  of  security  in 
such  weather.  Again,  should  any  vessels  heave  in  sight, 
they  are  more  likely  to  be  men-of- war  than  merchantmen, 
for  the  plain  reason  that  few  vessels,  (except  those  that 
are  well  manned  and  armed,)  will  venture  out  without 
convoy.  To  remain  here,  therefore,  of  course  must  be 
attended  with  danger,  and  without  the  chance  of  suc 
cess.  I  have  weighed  this  matter,  and  think  the  better 
plan  to  adopt  is,  to  run  well  up  Channel.  It  is  true  we 
shall  be  likely  to  fall  in  with  men-of-war,  but  we  shall  be 
much  more  likely  to  fall  in  with  merchantmen  there, 
than  on  this  cruising  ground.  I  am  aware  that  we  shall 
increase  the  hazard  of  being  captured,  but  then  it  is 
necessary  to  our  success,  that  we  risk  the  chances  of 
war,  for  unless  we  do  so,  we  may  as  well  give  up  the 
interest  of  the  cruise,  and  steer  immediately  away  for 
the  United  States."  * 

The  Commander  paused  a  moment,  and  then  re 
quested  the  first  lieutenant  to  give  his  opinion  freely, 
without  bias,  or  with  any  reference  to  that  which  he  had 
just  advanced. 

"  In  my  judgment,"  observed  the  first  lieutenant, 
"  to  remain  any  longer  on  this  ground  would  only  be  a 
consumption  of  tune,  and  a  waste  of  provisions  and 
water;  for  we  have  the  most  positive  demonstration,  by 
the  small  amount  of  provisions  and  water,  that  in  any 
case  it  cannot  be  long  before  we  must  go  into  port.  I 
therefore  coincide  with  your  opinion,  sir,  to  leave  this 
ground  as  quick  as  possible,  and  run  up  Channel.  It  is 
true  we  shall  incur  some  risk,  but  I  trust  with  caution 


•THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  281 

and  a  good  look-out,  we  shall  ultimately  finish  the  cruise 
with  honor  and  profit." 

After  the  first  lieutenant  had  given  his  opinion,  each 
of  the  officers  were  interrogated  in  their  turn ;  some  of 
whom  coincided  with  the  first  lieutenant,  hut  the  greater 
part  of  them  were  decidedly  opposed  in  getting  so  close 
to  "  John  Bull's  dominion,"  as  they  termed  it.  While 
this  consultation  Avas  being  carried  on,  and  many  con 
flicting  opinions  advanced,  it  was  suddenly  interrupted 
by  a  report  from  the  look-out  at  the  mast-head,  that  a 
sail  was  in  sight  to  the  westward.  In  a  very  short  time 
the  Cruiser  was  under  a  press  of  sail,  with  her  head  on 
the  trail  of  the  stranger.  The  state  of  feeling  which 
now  existed  on  hoard  of  the  Cruiser  was  indeed  very 
different  from  that  high  excitement  which  was  mani 
fested  on  such  occasions  on  the  former  part  of  the 
cruise  ;  whether  this  was  owing  to  the  perilous  location 
of  the  cruising  ground,  or  the  prospect  of  running  up 
Channel  and  thus  increase  the  risk  of  being  captured, 
or  whether  it  was  owing  to  a  want  of  that  confidence 
which  they  ought  to  have,  in  the  ability  of  the  Com 
mander,  or  whether  the  combination  of  these  circum 
stances  together,  had  not  their  united  influence  to 
produce  this  apparent  listlessness,  is  a  matter  I  shall 
leave  to  the  opinion  of  the  reader.  It  is  true 
every  preparation  was  made  for  action,  but  then  even  a 
casual  observer  would  not  be  at  a  loss  to  discover,  that 
there  was  but  little  desire  to  encounter  the  enemy. 

There  was  now  every  prospect  that  the  Cruiser  would 
overhaul  the   chase   before  night,  as  two  hours  had 
24* 


282  THE    AMERICAN    CRtllSBR. 

scarcely  passed  since  the  stranger  was  first  made,  and 
her  courses  were  already  raised  from  the  deck,  and 
further,  it  was  yet  early  in  the  day.     So  rapidly  did 
the  Cruiser  come  up  with  the  chase,  that  before  two 
o'clock  her  character  was  ascertained  to  be   a  brig 
standing  to  the  westward,  and  her  whole  appearance 
was  that  of  a  merchant  vessel.     At  five  o'clock  the 
stranger  was  in  reach  of  Long  Tom,  and  after  the  first 
salutation  she  rdunded  to,  and  displayed  the  Dutch  flag 
at  her  peak.    In  thirty  minutes  the  boats  of  the  Cruiser 
might  have  been  seen  boarding  the  Dutchman,  from 
whom   they  not   only  received   some  supplies  of  pro 
visions  and  water,  but  also  important  information.    This 
brig  was  from  Liverpool,  bound  to  Surinam,  the  captain 
of  which  informed  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser,  that 
the  combined  Mediterranean  and  West  India  fleet  of 
merchantmen  were  now  at  their  rendezvous  in  Cork, 
and  would   sail  in   a  very  few  days  under  a  strong 
convoy.     The  Dutch  skipper  was  remunerated  liberally 
for  his  provisions  and  water,  and  after  expressing  many 
thanks  to  him,  for  his  kindness  and  the  information  he 
had  given,  he  stood  on  his  course  to  the  southward  and 
westward.     On  the  receipt  of  this  important  intelli 
gence,  as  might  have  been  supposed,  it  produced  a  uni 
versal  burst  of  feeling  and  excitement ;  for  it  was  con 
fidently  believed,  that  the  Commander's  experience  had 
taught  him  a  salutary  lesson,  so  that  in  the  event  of 
falling  in  with  this  fleet,  he  would  not  rashly  or  impru 
dently  jeopardize  the  Cruiser  or  the  lives  of  the  crew, 
and  throw  away  the  chances  of  completing  the  cruise  ; 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  283 

nevertheless  they  relied  more  implicitly  on  the  judgment 
and  coolness  of  the  first  lieutenant,  and  as  the  Com 
mander  had  manifested  a  disposition  to  act  measurably 
in  concert  with  the  judgment  of  his  officers,  it  recon 
ciled  them  to  the  perilous  undertaking  of  cruising  up 
Channel,  so  that  they  might  fall  in  with  the  fleet.  The 
Cruiser's  head  was  now  put  to  the  eastward,  and  as 
they  were  in  hourly  expectation  of  hard  chasing  or  hard 
fighting,  they  embraced  the  present  favorable  oppor 
tunity  to  ascertain  with  the  greatest  precision  her  best 
trim  for  sailing,  and  her  best  rates.  After  repeated 
trials,  it  was  decided  that  her  greatest  proportional 
speed  was  before  the  wind,  although  she  was  no  laggard 
close  hauled.  Being  now  satisfied  in  regard  to  her 
sailing,  every  preparation  was  made  for  action,  such  as 
fitting  preventer  slings  for  the  yards  and  gaffs,  stoppers 
for  the  rigging,  tomkins  for  shot-holes,  &c.,  the  arma 
ment  was  also  put  in  the  best  order,  and  additional  am 
munition  was  being  made  ready  with  cartridge  and  ball ; 
in  short,  the  Cruiser  was  now  in  the  best  possible  pre 
paration,  according  to  her  strength,  either  for  the  fight 
or  chase. 


CHAPTER  XXVIH. 

THE  YOUNG  SEAMAN'S  NARRATIVE  CONCLUDED. 

THE  following  morning,  after  having  received  the  im 
portant  intelligence  from  the  Dutch  brig,  the  Cruiser 
might  have  been  seen,  steering  gallantly  up  the  Irish 
Channel.  Her  snow-white  canvass,  which  was  now 
spread  on  every  yard  and  spar,  looked  at  a  small  dis 
tance,  like  a  white  cloud,  and  formed  a  striking  con 
trast  to  the  dark,  heavy  appearance,  that  marked 
in  these  days  the  distinction  between  the  American 
and  British  cruiser.  She  glided  along  over  the  sur 
face  of  the  smooth  sea,  as  a  creature  of  life  and 
reason,  obedient  to  every  impulse,  and  increasing  her 
speed  as  sail  after  sail  was  spread.  Like  an  ocean- 
bird  that  floats  on  its  native  element,  so  the  Cruiser, 
with  buoyant  wings,  was  driven  forward,  over  the 
swelling  flood,  toward  her  intended  place  of  destination 
and  probable  conflict. 

Every  heart  (excepting  those  of  the  more  reflecting,) 
was  light  and  merry,  nor  dreamed  of  any  reverse  of 
circumstances.  To  this  enjoyment  the  musical  powers 
of  Jimmy  contributed  not  a  little,  and  although  the 
main-deck  and  forecastle  presented  the  bright  gleams  of 
284 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  285 

sunshine,  yet  there  were  those  on  the  quarter-deck  and 
ward-room  whose  whole  exterior  depicted  the  lowering 
cloud  of  foreboding  evil ;  yet  no  traces  of  fear  or  cow 
ardice  could  be  discovered,  and  if  every  heart  could 
have  been  laid  open  for  inspection,  the  result  would 
have  been  that  no  quailing  or  flinching  would  be  mani 
fested  in  the  hottest  battle  or  the  hardest  chase. 

"  Well,  messmate,"  observed  the  boatswain  to  the 
young  seaman,  "  I  believe  we  are  now  in  the  Channel, 
and  it  won't  be  long  with  this  fine  weather,  before  some 
thing  heaves  in  sight  to  make  work  for  us.  Now 
whether  it  will  be  good  work  or  bad  work,  is  not  for  me 
to  say ;  but  there  is  one  thing  I  will  say,  and  that  is, 
that  this  craft  was  never  in  a  better  condition  to  fight 
or  run  (except  that  we  've  not  got  men  enough,)  than 
she  is  now,  and  I  should  n't  mind  having  a  bit  of  a  dust, 
with  an  equal  chance,  especially  if  our  first  lieutenant 
has  his  way  in  the  matter ;  but  just  so  sure  as  that 
madcap  skipper  of  ours  takes  to  his  old  follies  again, 
and  we  should  get  jammed  up  this  Channel,  why  then 
the  jig's  up  with  us,  and  there 's  an  end  on't." 

"  We  have  been  messmates  together,"  replied  the 
young  seaman,  "  upwards  of  three  years,  and  I  know 
not  how  it  is,  yet  there  is  something  in  my  heart  which 
tells  me,  that  one  of  us  will  never  reach  the  United 
States  again.  How  often,  my  friend,  have  I  told  you 
In  regard  to  my  own  history,  that  the  brightest  pros 
pects  have  terminated  with  evil.  And  what  is 
our  condition  at  the  present  moment  ?  Almost  every 
heart  seems  to  bound  with  joy,  nay,  even  the  condition 


286  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

of  this  craft,  and  the  bright  and  beautiful  weather,  and 
the  glorious  sun,  that  sends  forth  its  refulgent  rays, 
giving  light  and  heat  to  creation,  all  seem  to  inspire 
the  heart  with  feelings  of  happiness  and  ultimate 
success;  yet  the  very  reverse  has  taken  entire  pos 
session  of  my  feelings.  Yes,  there  is  a  dark  cloud  of 
foreboding  evil,  which  has  gathered  around  me,  and 
although  I  fear  not  to  face  the  enemy  or  death  if  need 
be,  yet  I  cannot  say  that  this  pulse  of  mine  moves 
quite  as  regularly,  when  I  contemplate  the  hour  that  I 
shall  be  called  to  separate  from  you." 

This  prophetical  declaration,  made  a  very  serious  im 
pression  upon  the  boatswain. 

"  Well,  well,"  the  old  tar  replied,  "  I  can't  help  be 
lieving  what  you  say,  and  I  know  you  're  not  the  lad  to 
flinch  ;  but  what 's  the  use  of  taking  all  this  melancholy 
upon  interest  ?  Come,  come,  messmate,  cheer  up,  and 
let  'P  take  things  as  they  come,  for  d  'ye  see,  I  believe 
you  and  I  will  have  some  bright  days  together  after  all. 
It 's  very  true,  by  the  way,  that  your  prophesying  gen 
erally  comes  out  like  a  good  lunar  observation." 

"  What  do  you  mean  by  that  ?  "  observed  the  young 
seaman. 

"  Why  just  this,"  replied  the  boatswain.  "  When  the 
distance  is  worked  up,  you  '11  know  exactly  where  the 
ship  is  ;  but  if  what  you  say  should  turn  out  to  be  so, 
and  as  we  have  a  bit  of  time  in  our  watch  below,  why 
I  'd  like  to  hear  the  balance  of  your  yarn." 

The  young  seaman  complied  as  follows  : 

"  I  accepted  without  hesitation,  aye,  and  without  re- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  287 

flection  too,  the  challenge  which  I  had  received,  and 
after  addressing  a  note  to  this  effect  to  the  gamester,  I 
delivered  it  to  his  friend.  We  arranged  the  usual 
matters,  such  as  the  weapons,  distance,  time,  place,  &c. 
Nothing  was  now  left  for  me  to  do  except  to  procure 
a  friend,  who  should  act  as  my  second  ;  this  was  easily 
effected,  in  the  person  of  one  with  whom  I  was  very 
intimate,  and  in  whom  I  had  confided  all  my  past  his 
tory.  Would  you  believe  it,  my  friend  ?  my  whole  soul 
was  so  filled  with  the  thoughts  of  revenge  on  the  mis 
creant  wretch,  that  I  scarcely  thought  of  my  fair 

E ,  nor  the  dreadful  crime  which  I  was  about  to 

commit,  nor  the  offence  against  the  laws.  All  these 
were  foreign  to  my  thoughts  and  feelings,  yet  I 
had  made  the  necessary  arrangements  to  elude  the  arm 
of  the  law  and  make  my  escape,  should  my  antagonist 
fall  in  this  contest.  When,  however,  the  excitement  of 
the  day  passed  off,  and  cool  reflection  assumed  its 
empire,  then  I  shuddered  at  the  prospect  before  me.  It 
is  true,  I  was  about  to  raise  my  arm  against  the  life  of 
a  fellow  creature.  But  then,  did  he  not  deserve  pun 
ishment  ?  Was  not  his  heart  as  black  as  his  life  was  in 
famous  ?  Had  he  not  been  guilty  of  the  basest  crimes  of 
robbery  and  murder  ?  Was  he  not  too  the  author  of  all 
my  sorrows  and  woes  ?  These  questions  could  be  an 
swered  affirmatively,  yet  they  could  not,  and  did  not- 
quiet  my  conscience.  0,  no!  there  is  an  hour  of 
retributive  justice  rolling  on,  when  the  murderer's  doom 
shall  be  irrevocably  fixed,  and  shall  I  by  this  act  place 
myself  among  that  number,  and  be  instrumental  in 


288  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

hurrying  a  wretch  to  his  final  doom  ?  These  reflections 
nearly  overpowered  my  senses.  I  shuddered  in  wild 
amazement,  and  would  have  retraced  my  steps,  but 
alas  !  I  had  gone  too  far,  and  if  I  now  retracted,  I 
should  be  branded  with  the  epithet  of  coward.  I 
could  not  bear  it,  and  the  laws  of  honor  (falsely  so 
called,)  forbade  retraction.  I  thought  of  my  fair 

E ;   her  love  and  constancy  were   more  virtuous 

and  true,  than  romance  has  ever  delineated.  Alas ! 
would  she  not  despise  the  hand  that  could  imbrue 
itself  in  human  blood  ?  And  would  she  unite  a  heart 
pure  and  spotless  to  one  that  had  been  guilty  of  the 
foul  deed  of  murder  ?  0,  no !  she  could  not,  she 
would  not ;  the  lovely  and  beauteous  flower  would 
be  nipped  by  the  withering  blasts  of  sorrow,  until 
death  should  transplant  it  to  a  purer  and  fairer 
clime.  My  friend,  I  would  have  given  worlds  to 
have  recalled  one  short  day.  It  was  not  yet  too  late, 
but  alas !  I  had  not  moral  courage  to  stop,  but  rushing 
madly  on,  I  sought  to  drown  my  feelings  in  the  fashion 
able  amusements  of  the  day.  But  these  afforded  no 
relief. 

"  The  appointed  tune  of  meeting  drew  near.  I  wrote 
to  E ,  with  renewed  protestations  of  love  and  con 
stancy,  with  my  determination  of  making  another 
voyage  to  the  East  Indies,  and  then  throw  myself  at 
her  feet.  This  letter  was  written  with  a  trembling 
hand,  hastily  sealed,  and  sent  off;  after  which  I  pre 
pared  myself  for  the  conflict.  The  day  and  hour  had 
now  arrived.  We  met  with  our  seconds  according  to 


TI1E    AA1EIUCAN    CRUISEE.  .  289 

appointment,  and  as  tlie  laws  of  duelling  gave  me  the 
choice  of  weapons  and  distance,  I  selected  pistols,  and 
the  distance  to  be. twelve  paces.  I  fixed  a  keen  glance 
upon  my  antagonist,,  and  saw  that  he  was  pale  and  hag 
gard,  his  whole  frame  shaking  violently,  and  it  was 
evident  to  the  most  superficial  observer,  that  his  courage 
had  failed.  Unwilling  to  take  the  advantage  of  him,  I 
sought  a  reconciliation,  through  the  medium  of  my 
friend  ;  but  his  friend  declined  any  compromise,  except 
by  exchange  of  shots.  The  distance  was  measured, 
and  by  lot  he  had  the  first  shot.  He  fired,  and  the  ball 
grazed  the  back  of  my  neck,  merely  breaking  the  skin. 
It  now  came  to  my  turn,  and  I  discharged  my  pistol  in 
tne  air,  and  still  asked  for  a  compromise.  His  friend 
and  himself  were  inexorable,  and  apparently  elated  in 
having  another  chance,  and,  as  I  supposed,  thirsting  for 
my  blood,  he  fired  again  without  any  effect.  As  it  was 
'.mpossible  to  come  to  any  terms  of  reconciliation,  I  de 
termined,  if  possible,  to  avoid  killing  him,  but  at  the 
same  time  to  inflict  such  a  wound  as  would  place  him 
beyond  the  power  of  renewing  the  attack.  I  dis 
charged  my  pistol,  and  he  fell. 

"  I  saw  no  more.  My  friend  hurried  me  away  from 
the  ground  to  a  place  of  concealment,  in  order  that  I 
might  avoid  the  infliction  of  the  law,  until  the  ship  was 
ready  to  sail  for  the  East  Indies.  The  deepest  suspense 
hung  over  the  next  twenty-four  hours ;  all  was  dark, 
gloomy,  and  foreboding.  I  had  now  shed  human  blood, 
and  whether  the  subject  of  my  wrongs  had  received  a 
mortal  wound  or  not,  was  a  matter  that  involved  my 
25 


290  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

peace  of  mind  forever.  The  mental  sufferings  of  a  few 
short  hours  nearly  deprived  me  of  existence.  At 
length,  however,  I  was  relieved  from  this  state  of 
insufferable  anguish ;  my  friend  informed  me  that  he 
had  ascertained  that  the  wound  was  not  mortal,  the 
ball  having  entered  above  the  shoulder  blade,  had  been 
extracted,  and  that  his  confinement  would  be  of  short 
duration.  In  a  few  days  the  ship  was  ready  for  sea. 

Again  I  wrote  to  my  dearest  E ,  and   gave   her 

an  account  of  all  that  had  passed,  imploring  her  forgive 
ness  and  the  continuance  of  her  unabated  love.  Once 
more,  then,  I  found  myself  measurably  free,  and  as  the 
ship  was  to  sail  immediately,  I  left  my  place  of  conceal 
ment,  embarked  on  -board,  and  was  soon  installed  with 
the  first  officer's  berth.  "We  got  under  way  immediate 
ly,  and  with  a  leading  breeze  and  flowing  sheet,  in  a  few 
hours  I  bade  adieu  to  the  place  of  my  sufferings,  and  to 
the  home  that  contained  all  that  was  dear  to  me  on 
earth. 

"  Rumor,  with  her  busy  tongue,  and  with  much  ex 
aggeration,  had  detailed  the  account  of  my  unhappy 
meeting  with  the  gamester ;  but  then  it  operated  great 
ly  to  my  advantage  on  board,  for  I  was  extolled  as  a 
courageous  chap  that  would  not  dodge  at  a  shot,  but 
also  that  my  conduct  in  the  whole  affair  was  honorable, 
and  that  my  antagonist  richly  merited  punishment  at 
my  hands.  Nor  was  this  all ;  this  affair  procured  for  me 
a  degree  of  respect  and  awe  from  my  superior,  as  well  as 
the  crew,  to  which  perhaps  I  was  not  entitled.  I  will 
not  enter  into  a  detail  of  this  voyage,  suffice  it  to  say 


AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


that  nothing  transpired  of  particular  import.  I  believe 
that  I  discharged  the  duties  of  my  station  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  the  Commander. 

"  We  arrived  in  the  United  States  after  a  year's  ab 
sence,  and  as  I  had  distinguished  myself,  and  my  con 
duct  was  much  approved,  I  was  offered  an  excellent 
command. 

"  Now  then  my  friend,  you  perceive  that  I  had  re-es 
tablished  my  reputation,  and  could  honorably  claim  my 
prize,  having  fulfilled  my  pledge.  The  sun  shone 
brilliantly  upon  my  prospects,  although  dark  clouds 
would  occasionally  flit  across  my  mind  and  obscure  the 
future.  Nevertheless  the  buoyancy  of  youth,  and  the 
bright  and  cheering  path  that  lay  before"  me,  and  above 

all,  that  my  dearest  E would  soon  be  mine,  by 

virtue  of  all  that  was  sacred  and  honorable — all  these 
considerations  conspired  to  make  me  happy,  and  drive 
far  away  every  unwelcome  anxiety. 

"  Alas  !  this  was  the  happiness  of  anticipation,  des 
tined  never  to  have  an  existence  in  reality.  It  was  the 
morning  of  brightness,  that  exhibited  the  cloudless  sky 
and  brilliant  orb  of  day,  which,  ere  he  had  performed 
half  his  destined  round,  was  shrouded  in  gloom,  and 
storms  and  tempests  closed  the  mournful  scene.  I 
had  scarcely  reached  the  place  of  my  nativity, 
when  my  ear  was  saluted  with  the  overwhelming  and 
dreadful  intelligence,  that  she  for  whom  I  had 
braved  every  danger — who  had  been  the  stimulus  of 
all  my  acts — that  she  whose  love  never  diminished,  and 
whose  constancy  for  me  had  never  shaken,  and  whose 


292  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER, 

last  words  were  an  invocation  that  Heaven  would  grant 
a  meeting  of  our  two  spirits  in  that  bright  world  where  the 
alighting  sorrows  of  earth  are  unknown — that  this  dearest 
jbject  of  all  my  affection  and  love,  was  no  more.  Over 
whelmed  with  the  dreadful  shock,  my  firmness  entirety 
forsook  me,  and  it  was  many  days  before  I  recovered  suffi 
cient  composure  of  mind,  to  listen  to  the  details  of  her  ill 
ness  and  subsequent  death.  Exaggerated  accounts  of 
my  unhappy  rencontre  with  the  gamester,  reached  her 
through  the  medium  of  the  newspapers,  in  which  it  was 
stated  that  a  bloody  affair  had  taken  place,  in  which  I 
had  killed  my  antagonist,  and  that  I  was  obliged  to 
leave  my  country  forever.  This  account  was  never  con 
tradicted,  and*  although  she  had  received  my  letter, 
which  detailed  the  account  of  the  whole  affair,  yet  it 
was  so  entirely  different  from  that  in  the  newspaper, 
that  she  knew  not  on  which  to  rely.  Numerous  vague 
reports,  some  of  which  were  not  very  favorable  to  my 
character  as  a  duellist,  were  freely  circulated,  and 
which  made  such  a  melancholy  impression  upon  her 
mind,  that  her  health  gradually  declined,  and  her  deli 
cate  frame  sunk  under  the  violence  of  the  shock  it  had 
received.  Yet  the  pure  breathings  of  her  love  for  me, 
were  poured  forth  in  her  greatest  bodily  and  mental  af 
fliction  ;  and  never  for  a  moment  did  she  doubt  my 
honor,  or  by  any  word  or  action  cast  a  shade  of  reproach 
upon  my  integrity. 

"  Notwithstanding  the  predictions  of  physicians  and 
friends,  her  father  could  not  realize  that  her  end  was 
near.  He  still  dreamed  that  she  might  be  raised  again 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

to  comparative  health,  and  be  spared  a  while  longer  ; 
and  to  her  earnest  and  solemn  predictions  that  the  part 
ing  hour  was  near,  he  still  replied  in  the  language  of 
hope  and  assurance.  The  pure  spirit  that  still  inhabited 
the  tenement  of  clay,  notwithstanding  the  assurance 
of  her  father,  was  rapidly  passing  to  mingle  in  ce 
lestial  joy  with  bright  seraphs  above,  while  expressions 
of  holy  trust,  showed  that  the  spirit  felt  its  affinity  to 
the  world  of  purity  and  peace  she  was  approaching. 
She  died  praying  for  me. 

"  Time's  withering  hand  can  never,  my  friend, 
efface  the  sad  remembrance  of  those  days.  Solitary 
and  alone  I  struck  the  pathway  that  led  to  the  noise 
and  bustle  of  the  seaport,  and  notwithstanding  the  tu 
multuous  confusion  and  hurry  which  in  every  street 
crowded  upon  me,  yet  more  and  more  the  loneliness  of 
my  condition,  gathered  around  my  poor  heart,  and  the 
gay  and  busy  world  afforded  me  no  consolation,  for  I 
looked  upon  it  all  as  one  vast  channel  house.  In  short, 
my  mind  became  so  much  depressed,  that  I  was  com 
pelled,  if  I  may  thus  speak,  to  fly  from  myself.  I  wan 
dered  up  and  down,  not  having  any  definite  object  in 
view,  except  that  a  vague  thought  would  sometimes 
cross  my  mind,  that  if  I  could  find  one  in  whom  I  could 
confide,  and  to  whom  I  could  unburthen  my  soul,  and 
pour  forth  the  sorrow  of  my  heart,  I  should  then  be 
relieved. 

"  My  messmate  you  know  the  rest.  In  you  I  have  found 
a  faithful  friend,  and  to  you  have  I  poured  forth  the 
sorrows  of  my  aching  spirit.      I  look  only  to  death  for 
25* 


294  THE  AMERICAN  CRUISER. 

comfort.  Then  I  shall  be  ready  to  enter  into  the  enjoy 
ment  of  peace  and  happiness,  to  which  I  have  been  a 
stranger  on  earth." 

Overcome  by  this  sad  and  melancholy  recital,  the 
tears  fell  from  the  young  seaman's  eyes,  and  he  sunk 
back,  and  strove  to  hide  his  anguish  from  his  sympa 
thizing  friend. 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

CAPTURE  OP  A  BRITISH  BRIO  IN  A  FOG,  WITH  THE  BOAT9 

THE  wind  blew  briskly  from  the  south-west,  with 
thick  foggy  weather,  as  the  Cruiser  dashed  along  over 
the  rough  sea  under  short  sail ;  from  the  observation  of 
the  previous  day,  she  was  now  judged  to  be  off  the  old 
Head  Kinsale ;  consequently  the  deepest  anxiety  pre 
vailed,  for  the  information  received  from  the  Dutch 
brig  was  correct.  It  was  now  time  for  the  fleet  to  be 
under  way.  But  in  this  state  of  weather  she  would 
be  as  likely  to  pounce  alongside  of  a  man-of-war,  as  a 
merchantman;  and  although  on  the  one  hand  they 
might  consider  the  dense  mist  as  a  friend,  yet  on 
the  other,  the  chances  were  two  to  one  against 
them.  However,  nothing  daunted,  they  dashed  along, 
being  determined  to  risk  all  the  chances  against  them 
in  reference  to  the  weather,  and  improve  all  the  favor 
able  circumstances  which  were  afforded  to  them  by  the 
dense  fog  which  now  prevailed. 

The  wind  freshened,  and  ever  and  anon  blew  in  fitful 
gusts,  driving  the  mist  before  it,  so  that  now  and  then 
objects  might  be  seen  at  a  half  a  mile  distance  ;  but  soon 
the  fog  again  shut  in,  and  objects  could  not  be  seen  the 

295 


296  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

length  of  the  vessel.  This,  indeed,  was  highly  favor 
able  to  the  Cruiser  ;  for  if  perchance  she  got  into  the 
fleet,  she  would  of  course  have  the  advantage  of  select 
ing  out  a  merchant  vessel,  at  the  same  time  the  fog 
would  enable  her  to  keep  clear  of  the  convoy.  The 
morning  watch  passed  away  with  the  same  state  of  wea 
ther,  and  nothing  was  seen  by  the  look  out  aloft ;  but 
they  were  not  long  destined  to  remain  inactive,  or  with 
out  some  source  of  excitement ;  for  before  two  hours  had 
passed  away  in  the  forenoon  watch,  the  fog  raised  up 
from  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  discovered  the 
Cruiser  to  be  in  the  midst  of  the  fleet.  Scarcely  had 
they  time  to  take  the  bearing  of  a  large  merchant  brig, 
that  was  about  an  eighth  of  a  mile  distant,  ere  the 
whole  fleet  was  again  shrouded  from  the  view  by  the 
dense  and  impenetrable  fog.  The  greatest  caution  and 
prudence  was  now  necessary.  At  first  it  was  thought 
best  to  run  the  Cruiser  alongside  the  brig,  and  carry  her 
by  boarding.  This  plan,  however,  was  overruled  by  the 
first  lieutenant,  because,  as  he  affirmed,  should  the  fog 
clear  up  when  the  two  vessels  were  in  contact,  and 
should  they  be  seen  by  the  convoy,  of  course  it  would 
create  suspicion,  and  the  Cruiser  would  be  taken  and 
the  prize  re-captured.  • 

"  In  my  judgment,"  observed  the  first  lieutenant  to 
the  Commander,  "  our  best  plan  is,  to  endeavor  to  take 
that  brig  with  our  boats,- and  if  we  succeed,  of  course 
we  shall  avoid  alarming  the  convoy,  and  we  may  then 
put  prize-master  and  crew  on  board  of  her,  with  orders 


THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER.  297 

to  keep  with  the  fleet  until  night,  and  then  make  the 
best  of  her  way  to  the  United  States." 

The  proposition  of  the  lieutenant  was  so  plausible,  that 
it  met  with  the  entire  approbation  of  the  Commander. 
But  now  a  dangerous  service  was  to  be  performed,  and 
it  required  stout  hearts  to  carry  it  into  execution.  Vol 
unteers  were  called  for,  when  the  boatswain  and  the 
young  seaman  were  in  the  foremost  rank.  The  com 
plement,  however,  was  soon  completed,  and  twenty  men 
were  despatched  in  the  two  boats,  the  one  commanded 
by  the  second  lieutenant,  and  the  other  by  a  prize- 
master  with  our  two  heroes. 

Now  the  danger  of  this  service  was  not  confined  ex 
clusively  to  the  boarding  of  the  brig,  but  the  peril  was 
increased  from  the  fact  that  one  of  the  boats  was  small, 
and  it  would  require  great  management  and  ability  to 
keep  her  afloat  in  the  heavy  sea  which  was  now  run 
ning  ;  but  she  was  ably  manned,  and  if  courage  and 
skill  could  execute  this  enterprise,  they  were  not  want 
ing  in  these  two  boats.  They  were,  however,  ordered 
to  keep  alongside  until  the  fog  should  clear  away,  so 
that  the  bearings  of  the  brig  could  be  correctly  taken. 
The  wind  now  increased,  and  the  fog,  which  had  not 
lifted  for  the  last  hour,  seemed  to  increase  in  density. 
In  a  moment  of  the  deepest  anxiety  the  shadow  of  the 
brig,  which  was  now  close  on  board,  shot  through  the 
almost  impenetrable  gloom,  and  in  the  next  minute  she 
was  lost  sight  of  in  the  fog. 

"  B-o-a-r-d-e-r-s  a-w-a-y ! '.'  shouted  the  Commander. 

The  fasts  were  cast  off,  and  during  the  next  minute, 


298-  THE    AMERICAN    CRWSEH. 

the  boats  were  seen  pulling  on  the  top  of  the 
and  then  disappearing  in  the  impenetrable  mist. 

For  several  minutes,  the  Cruiser  stood  on  the  same 
tack  as  that  on  which  the  brig  was  steering,  and  in  the 
same  direction  which  the  boats  had  given  way.  Ten 
minutes — twenty  minutes !  the  Cruiser  stood  on,  yet 
nothing  was  seen  of  the  brig  or  the  boats.  But  if  they 
were  perplexed  and  anxious  in  the  Cruiser,  they  were 
much  more  so>  and  indeed  had  much  greater  cause  to 
be  perplexed  and  anxious  in  the  boats  ;  for  it  not  only 
required  all  their  skill,  but  also  excessive  labor  to  keep 
them  above  water.  Add  to  this  the  deep  state  of  uncer 
tainty  in  regard  to  the  position  and  course  of  the  brig. 
Now  they  might  be  seen  struggling  with  almost  super 
natural  strength  at  the  oars,  endeavoring  to  impel  their 
frail  barks  against  the  heavy  sea.  Then  again  they 
might  have  been  seen  driving  away  with  incredible 
rapidity  before  the  wind,  and  the  roaring  sea  with 
crested  tops  breaking  over  them,  while  the  dashing 
spray  in  heavy  showers  came  tumbling  in  the  boats. 
The  weight  and  pressure  of  this  body  of  water,  had 
nearly  swamped  them. 

The  perplexity  of  their  situation  now  gave  way  to  a 
very  different  feeling,  for  until  the  last  ten  minutes  the 
boats  had  managed  to  keep  in  sight  of  each  other,  but 
now  they  were  separated,  and  chance  alone  would  again 
throw  them  together.  For  the  next  ten  minutes  it  re 
quired  all  the  exertions  of  the  lesser  boat's  crew  (which 
was  commanded  by  the  prize-master)  to  keep  her  afloat, 
for  a  squall  had  rendered  her  nearly  unmanageable ; 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

and  they  were  obliged  to  let  her  drive  before  the  wind 
and  sea,  which  poured  in  on  either  side,  so  that  it  re 
quired  more  than  human  exertions  to  keep  her  from 
sinking.  After  the  strength  of  the  squall  -had  passed 
over,  and  the  bow  of  the  boat  was  laid  head  to  sea,  the 
prize-master  inquired  of  the  boatswain,  what  course  he 
thought  most  likely  would  bring  them  in  sight  of  the 
brig  or  the  boat. 

"  Why,  as  to  the  matter  of  that,','  replied  the  old  tar, 
"  one  way  is  about  as  good  as  another,  but  in  my  way 
of  thinking,  if  we  keep  our  bow  head  to  this  cockling 
sea,  we  may  fall  in  with  our  shipmates." 

"  What's  that,"  inquired  the  young  seaman  hastily, 
as  a  dark  shadow  shot  across  his  vision. 

The  next  moment  two  or  three  voices  exclaimed, 
"  The  boat— the  boat," 

The  surprise  and  satisfaction  was  so  great  at  this  un 
expected  but  much  desired  meeting,  that  for  a  few- 
minutes  the  object  of  this  perilous  enterprise  was  mea 
surably  forgotten. 

At  length,  however,  a  plan  was  concerted,  so  that  if 
possible  they  might  not  again  separate  ;  for  the  chances 
were  indeed  very  limited  to  fall  in  with  the  brig,  and  it 
would  require  all  their  care  and  management  to  keep 
the  small  boat  from  sinking,  as  she  had  strained  and 
worked  hard,  and  her  gun-wales  were  carried  away  by 
the  violence  of  the  waves.  It  therefore  became  abso 
lutely  necessary  that  the  larger  boat  should  be  near  to 
save  the  crew  of  the  other,  in  the  event  of  her  foun 
dering. 


$60  THTi     AMERICAN    CEtJISER. 

These  arrangements  being  all  made,  again  they  tug 
ged  at  the  oars  for  the  next  half  hour,  and  with  in 
credible  labor  they  managed  to  keep  head  on  to  the  sea. 
But  the  fatigue  occasioned  by  these  great  exertions 
nearly  exhausted  their  strength,  and  they  had  nearly 
come  to  the  conclusion  to  give  over  the  chase,  when  a 
sail  was  discovered  not  more  than  thirty  yards  to  wind 
ward. 

"  The  Cruiser — the  Cruiser  !"  was  the  cry  of  mauv 
voices. 

And  they  were  not  deceived,  for  the  next  moment  sli» 
darted  past  the  boats  like  an  arrow,  without  perceiving 
them,  close-hauled  on  the  larboard  tack. 

The  chagrin  and  mortification  of  the  boats'  crews 
may  be  more  easily  imagined  than  described,  because  it 
was  highly  probable  that  the  Cruiser  had  seen  the  Eng 
lishman,  and  was  now  steering  on  the  same  course,  so 
as  to  protect  the  boats.  It  was  agreed,  therefore,  to 
keep  after  the  Cruiser,  as  the  safest  plan  for  their  own 
security,  and  also  to  fall  in  with  the  brig. 

Again  the  bows  of  the  boats  were  directed  on  the 
track  hi  which  the  Cruiser  was  last  seen,  and  it  required 
all  their  remaining  strength  and  skill  to  keep  them  in 
that  position.  The  mist  had  become  if  possible  more 
dense,  and  of  course  it  increased  more  and  more  their 
difficulty.  They  toiled  incessantly  ;  pulling,  and  baling 
the  water  from  the  boats  for  three  quarters  of  an  hour. 
Faint  and  weary  with  extreme  exhaustion,  they  were 
about  to  lay  their  oars  in  and  let  the  boat  drive  along 
at  the  mercy  of  the  wind  and  waves  ;  but  just  at  that 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  801 

critical  moment  (when  both  the  mind  and  the  body 
•were  completely  worn  out  with  fatigue,  and  which  had 
brought  on  a  kind  of  apathetic  listlessness,)  the  brig 
was  seen  close  under  the  lee.  She  was  discovered  si 
multaneously  by  the  two  boats. 

"  Give  way,  my  lads !"  shouted  the  prize-master  and 
the  second  lieutenant  at  the  same  instant. 

The  order  was  unnecessary,  for  the  men  sprung  to 
the  oars  like  so  many  lions,  and  in  the  course  of  the 
next  ten  minutes,  the  two  boats  were  grappled  to  the 
Englishman's  main  chains,  on  the  lee  side. 

"  Keep  in  your  boats,"  shouted  the  English  skipper, 
"  or  I  will  sink  you." 

The  discharge  of  a  brace  of  pistols  by  the  young  sea 
man,  obliged  John  Bull  to  retreat  from  his  position. 
Taking  advantage  of  the  temporary  absence,  the  crew 
of  the  small  boat,  with  the  prize-master,  boatswain,  and 
the  young  seaman,  at  their  head,  sprang  up  the  side 
and  gained  the  deck  before  the  English  Captain  had 
time  to  rally. 

It  was  in  vain  for  him  now  to  contend  against  ten 
resolute,  determined,  well-armed  men;  for  although 
some  resistance  was  made,  yet  they  were  soon  over 
powered  by  the  courage  and  impetuosity  of  the  Yankee 
tars,  and  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes  after  they  had 
gained  the  deck,  the  British  brig  was  a  prize  to  the 
Americans. 

According  to  the  previous  arrangement,  the  prize- 
master  and  crew,  (that  had  composed  the  crew  of  the 
larger  boat,)  now  took  possession  of  the  brig,  and  to  the 
26 


302  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

great  joy  and  satisfaction  of  the  Americans,  this  ar 
rangement  had  scarcely  been  finished  when  the  Cruiser 
hove  in  sight,  about  forty  yards  to  windward.  She  im 
mediately  bore  down,  and  very  soon  learned  that  her 
boats  had  captured  the  brig. 

The  Americans,  all  except  the  prize  crew,  again  took 
to  their  boats.  The  Captain  of  the  brig,  with  one  half 
the  crew,  were  also  taken  on  board  the  Cruiser.  But 
although  she  had  run  to  leeward  of  the  prize,  yet  it  was 
not  without  the  greatest  difficulty  and  exertion  that  the 
small  boat  was  kept  afloat,  for  when  within  about  ten 
yards  of  the  Cruiser,  she  went  down,  and  the  crew 
narrowly  escaped  with  their  lives,  being  saved  by  the 
other  boat.  The  joy  and  satisfaction  of  all  on  board, 
at  the  capture  of  the  brig,  and  especially  the  praise  that 
was  bestowed  on  the  prize-master,  boatswain,  young 
seaman,  and  crew  of  the  small  boat,  knew  no  bounds. 
Indeed,  the  perilous  situation  of  the  Cruiser  and  her 
prize  was  almost  lost  sight  of,  from  the  fact  that 
the  brig  was  richly  laden,  and  if  she  reached  the 
United  States  in  safety,  the  proceeds  of  her  sale 
would  nett  at  least  five  hundred  dollars  per  share.  The 
joy  and  transport  of  the  crew  may  therefore  be  imagin 
ed,  and  it  was  not  till  the  fog  had  once  more  lifted 
(which  presented  several  vessels  close  by)  that  this 
feeling  merged  into  another  source  of  high  excitement ; 
for  the  expectations  of  the  crew  were  now  wrought  up 
to  the  highest  point,  from  the  fact  that  the  bearings  of 
a  splendid  looking  merchant  ship  were  taken,  and  so 
confident  were  they  of  capturing  this  vessel,  that  the 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  303 

prize-master  and  crew  were  selected  to,  take  possession 
of  her.  Their  excitement  was  also  kept  up  by  the 
assurance  that  had  heen  given  by  the  Commander,  that 
after  the  capture  of  one  more  prize,  they  would  return 
directly  to  the  United  States.  Gratified  beyond  mea 
sure  at  the  speedy  prospect  of  their  return,  as  well  as 
highly  elated  at  the  almost  certainty  of  capturing  an 
other  prize,  every  command  was  obeyed  with  the  utmost 
cheerfulness,  nor  did  they  for  once  dream  of  any  thing 
but  home,  a  large  amount  of  prize-money,  and  the  con 
sequent  jovial  sprees  when  on  shore. 

The  interminable  fog  had  again  settled,  and  so  thick 
and  dense,  that  objects  could  not  be  seen  the  length  of 
the  vessel.  The  Cruiser  was  now  close  hauled  on  the 
larboard  tack,  and  the  ship  when  last  seen,  was  on  the 
same  tack,  under  a  press  of  sail.  The  next  minute,  no 
trace  could  be  seen  of  her  through  the  impenetrable 
mist,  and  the  exultation  and  excitement  were  measur 
ably  lost,  for  every  moment  the  perilous  situation  of  the 
Cruiser  increased,  as  she  had  been  standing  on  that 
tack  for  nearly  four  hours  ;  consequently  it  was  judged 
they  were  in  the  vicinity  of  the  convoy* 

"  What  is  your  opinion,"  observed  the  Commander 
to  the  first  lieutenant,  "  in  regard  to  the  sailing  of  that 
ship  whose  bearings  were  taken." 

"  It  is  impossible  to  answer  that  question,"  replied 
the  lieutenant,  "  as  we  have  no  opportunity  of  ascer 
taining  her  speed." 

"  Where  away  do  you  think  she  may  be  now  ?"  again 
observed  the  Commander. 


804  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

"In  my  judgment,"  replied  the  first  lieutenant,  "  we 
cannot  be  a  great  distance  apart,  and  I  sincerely  hope 
that  it  may  not  be  long  before  this  fog  clears  away  suf 
ficiently,  so  that  we  may  get  sight  of  her,  for  the  risk 
of  falling  in  with  the  convoy  increases  upon  us  every 
moment." 

The  Commander  was  silent  and  thoughtful,  and  after 
a  few  moments  changed  the  conversation,  and  remarked 
that  they  would  be  amply  compensated,  if  the  brig 
which  they  had  just  taken  arrived  safe  into  the  United 
States.  At  that  moment,  the  mist  was  driven  away  be 
fore  the  south-west  gale,  when  not  only  the  ship,  their 
intended  victim,  but  several  other  vessels,  among  which 
the  prize  brig  was  seen.  The  brig,  however,  was 
dodging  about  as  if  she  had  neither  helm,  pilot,  or  com 
mander.  This  was  not  a  matter  of  much  surprise,  for 
the  old  soaking  prize-master  had  charge  of  her,  and  it 
was  supposed  that  the  brandy  bottle  had  charge  of  him ; 
in  the  next  five  minutes  all  again  was  lost  sight  of  in 
the  mist. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

THE  DOOM  OP  THE  CRUISER. 

PERHAPS  there  is  no  situation  more  perilous  in  time 
of  war  than  to  be  on  the  enemy's  coast,  in  the  midst  of 
a  fleet  under  strong  convoy,  and,  at  the  same  time,  im 
mersed  in  an  impenetrable  mist.  This,  then,  was  the 
situation  and  condition  of  the  Cruiser.  It  is  true  there 
were  some  advantages  ;  but  even  when  the  dense  fog 
would  settle  or  lift  up  from  the  surface  of  the  ocean,  the 
interim  was  so  limited  between  that  and  the  profound 
gloom  that  obscured  every  object  from  the  vision,  that 
it  was  impossible  to  designate  the  peaceful  merchant 
vessel  from  a  man-of-war.  No  mistake,  however,  could 
possibly  have  been  made  in  regard  to  the  ship  which 
had  been  selected  for. the  next  prize  ;  the  only  difficulty 
that  could  now  occur  arose  from  the  circumstance  that 
as  the  mist  was  clearing  on"  to  windward,  it  would  bring 
the  Cruiser  in  sight  of  the  convoy  before  she  could  pos 
sibly  make  the  second  capture. 

The  ship  was  again  seen  directly  ahead,  at  not  more 

than  the  distance  of  a  musket  shot  off.     It  had  been 

determined  to  run  the  Cruiser  alongside  and  carry  her 

by  boarding  ;  and  so  confident  were  they  that  the  ship 

26* 


306  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEK. 

would  be  in  possession  of  the  Cruiser,  that  the  baggage 
and  trunks  of  the  prize-master  and  crew  were  at  the 
gangway  to  be  in  readiness  to  throw  on  board  of  the 
prize.  Every  moment  their  expectations  increased,  as 
the  Cruiser  was  overhauling  her  rapidly. 

"  Sail  ho  !"  shouted  the  look  out  from  the  mast  head, 
"  three  points  on  the  starboard  bow,  and  standing  on 
the  starboard  tack  ;  she  is  close  aboard,  sir,  and  looks 
like  a  frigate." 

The  fog  was  now  driven  away  to  leeward  by  the 
wind,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  frigate  shot  out  of  the 
mist  not  more  than  five  hundred  yards  distant  from  the 
Cruiser.  The  enemy  being  under  her  topsails  and  fore- 
topsail  stay-sail,  immediately  crowded  on  her  canvass, 
and  stood  on  until  she  had  reached  the  Cruiser's  quar 
ter,  then  tacked  and  discharged  her  forward  division,  or 
battery,  at  the  Cruiser,  which  however  did  no  other 
damage  than  to  cut  away  two  of  her  lee  main  shrouds, 
which  were  quickly  secured  with  stoppers.  The  Cruiser 
was  hauled  close  by  the  wind,  and,  as  it  blew  stiffly,  it  be 
came  a  fair  trial  of  speed  between  the  two  vessels.  In 
less  than  thirty  minutes  it  was  abundantly  evident  that 
the  Cruiser  not  only  held  a  better  wind,  but  consider 
ably  fore-reached  the  enemy.  If  this  advantage,  there 
fore,  had  continued,  the  Cruiser  could  have  escaped  with 
out  much  difficulty ;  but  a  perplexing  circumstance  now 
arose,  from  the  fact  that  the  prize  brig  was  but  a  short 
distance  off,  and  from  her  manoeuvres  the  least  saga 
cious  seaman  would  immediately  discover  that  something 
was  wrong. 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  SO* 

Now,  as  the  Cruiser  was  in  the  midst  of  the  fleet, 
the  strong  presumption  among  all  the  officers  was  that 
the  frigate  would  come  at  the  truth,  or  that  her  officers 
would  immediately  know  that  she  was  a  captured 
vessel. 

As  this,  then,  was  the  undivided  opinion  on  the  quar 
ter  deck  of  the  Cruiser,  and,  as  no  doubt  remained  of 
the  superiority  of  her  sailing  upon  a  wind,  it  was  there 
fore  thought  advisable  by  the  Commander  to  bear  up 
before  the  wind  ;  expressing  his  belief  that  the  Cruiser 
would  greatly  outsail  the  frigate,  and  by  this  manoeuvre 
they  would  save  the  prize  brig,  as  the  frigate  no  doubt 
would  continue  the  chase  after  the  Cruiser.  The  first 
lieutenant  immediately  remonstrated  against  this  mea 
sure. 

"  Observe,"  he  continued,  "  is  she  not  more  than  one 
»       '  ' 

point  under  our  lee  quarter,  and  scarcely  a  gun  shot 
distance  from  us  ;  now  if  this  craft  is  kept  before  the 
wind,  in  less  than  five  minutes  the  enemy  will  have  the 
weather  guage  ;  besides,  we  shall  be  closing  in  with 
the  frigate,  so  that  her  whole  broadside  will  bear 
upon  us." 

The  opinion  of  every  officer  on  board  was  now  taken, 
and  all  coincided  with  the  first  lieutenant,  that  the 
only  plan  to  secure  the  safety  of  the  Cruiser  was  still 
to  keep  her  close  by  the  wind  under  a  press  of  sail. 
The  Commander,  however,  obstinately  persisted  in  his 
own  opinion,  and  ordered  all  the  light  sails  to  be  got  in 
readiness  for  the  contemplated  movement. 

"  A  pretty  decent  kind  of  business  this,"  observed 


308  THE    AMERICAS    CPvUISER. 

the  boatswain  to  the  young  seaman ;  "  in  my  way  of 
thinking  we  shall  make  a  sorry  afternoon's  work  on 't. 
Well,  well,  I  thought  just  as  much,  for  when  our  skip 
per  takes  his  own  head  for  it,  why  then  there's  always 
some  mishap." 

"  See  all  clear  there  forward,  to  set  the  square-sail 
and  studding-sail !  Port  your  helm,  and  run  out  the 
canvass  !"  shouted  the  officer  of  the  deck,  having  previ 
ously  received  these  orders  from  the  Commander. 

The  next  minute  the  Cruiser  was  running  before  the 
wind  under  a  crowd  of  sail. 

"  We'll  have  a  short  jig  on 't  this  time,"  said  the 
boatswain  to  his  young  friend,  "  or  I'll  miss  my 
reck'ning." 

Just  at  that  moment  the  frigate  yawed  off,  and  dis 
charged  her  forward  battery  with  tremendous  effect ; 
cutting  away  the  fore  gaff,  fore  yard,  and  shivering  the 
lee  bulwarks  into  a  hundred  fragments. 

The  Commander  now  saw  his  error,  but  it  was  too 
late.  * 

"  Luff!"  he  shouted,  "  haul  aft  the  sheets,  and  take 
in  all  the  light  sails." 

Every  man  sprung  to  his  duty,  but  the  principal 
sail  for  the  Cruiser  was  now  rendered  useless  from  the 
fact  that  the  gaff  was  cut  away.  This,  however,  was 
remedied  in  fifteen  minutes ;  all  the  light  sails  were 
taken  in,  and  once  more  the  Cruiser  was  close-hauled 
by  the  wind.  But  the  error  was  now  irretrievable,  for 
the  frigate  had  not  only  gained  upon  the  Cruiser,  but 
she  had  also  the  weather  guage.  She  kept  up  a  heavy 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  309 

and  constant  fire,  which  was  occasionally  returned  by 
Long  Tom  with  some  execution.  The  enemy  being  to 
windward,  came  down  rapidly  on  the  Cruiser  with  flow 
ing  sheets,  and  the  next  discharge  from  her  battery 
sealed  the  fate  of  the  Cruiser,  for  her  main-topping-lifts 
were  cut  away ;  so  that  what,  with  the  heavy  seas  and 
the  immense  weight  of  the  boom,  the  main  sheet  was 
immediately  parted,  causing  the  heavy  spar  to  take 
possession  of  the  quarter-deck,  —  smashing  and  tearing 
away  the  bulwarks  on  either  side  into  a  thousand 
pieces,  until  the  Cruiser  was  relieved  from  this  addi 
tional  enemy  by  the  dexterity  of  the  carpenter's  axe, 
who  cut  away  the  spar  amid  a  shower  of  bullets  from 
the  enemy.  There  was  now  another  misfortune  —  the  en 
sign  halliards  had  been  rove  to  the  main-topping-lift ; 
these  were  also  cut  away,  and  the  stars  and  stripes 
wound  their  folds  around  the  lifts,  and  could  not  be 
hauled  down.  The  frigate  now  came  up  hand  over 
hand,  and  took  about  a  musket  shot  off  on  the  weather 
quarter  of  the  Cruiser,  keeping  up  a  most  deadly  and 
murderous  fire,  and  the^  little  craft  lay  like  a  log  upon 
the  water  nearly  unmanageable.  The  enemy  ceased 
firing  with  her  large  guns,  after  which  she  took  her  po 
sition  abeam  of  the  Cruiser,  and  then  opened  a  most 
galling  fire  with  the  musketry  of  the  marines.  During 
the  whole  of  this  fire  the  Commander  of  the  Cruiser 
stood  on  the  trunk  in  full  uniform  ;  a  musket  ball  passed 
through  his  hat,  and  another  through  his  coat.  Many 
of  the  crew  by  this  time  lay  wounded  upon  the  deck, 


310  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

but  a  greater  part  went  below,  by  order  of  the  first 
lieutenant. 

Every  yard  of  canvass  spread  on  the  Cruiser  was  rent 
by  the  shot  of  the  enemy  ;  her  fore  top-mast,  fore  yard, 
jib-boom,  and  head  of  the  main-mast  were  cut  away, 
and  she  was  now  totally  unmanageable.  There  was  a 
moment  of  awful  suspense  ;  the  marines  ceased  firing, 
and  immediately  a  sheet  of  flame  issued  from  six  thirty- 
two  pound  carronades ;  every  shot  did  execution,  and 
the  little  craft  was  ripped  up  fore  and  aft ;  her  decks 
were  literally  cut  to  pieces  ;  both  arm-chests,  which 
were  lashed  on  the  trunk,  were  shivered  into  a  hundred 
fragments  ;  in  short,  she  was  now  in  a  sinking  condition, 
and  the  prevalent  opinion  among  the  few  officers  that 
remained  on  deck  was  that  the  enemy  did  not  intend  to 
show  any  quarter.  It  is  true  the  American  ensign  was 
still  aloft,  but  that  too  was  cut  to  pieces,  and  it  was  im 
possible  to  cut  it  away.  It  was  highly  probable,  there 
fore,  that  John  Bull  was  greatly  incensed  from  the  fact 
of  the  Cruis^B  having  made  some  resistance  ;  and  see 
ing  the  colors  still  were  aloft,  and  not  knowing  the  cause 
of  it,  it  is  possible  this  might  have  been  the  reason  of 
his  long  continued  and  murderous  fire. 

The  mystery,  however,  was  in  a  few  minutes  solved  ; 
for,  as  the  frigate  dropped  down  close  to  the  wreck,  she 
discovered  the  reason  why  the  stars  and  stripes  were 
still  aloft,  and  immediately  ceased  her  fire.  Several 
boats  from  the  frigate  were  now  despatched  to  the 
Cruiser,  to  take  possession,  and  convey  the  prisoners 
on  board.  In  a  few  minutes  the  Cruiser's  decks  were 


THE    AMERICAS    CfctlSER.  31°, 

Covered  with  Englishmen,  and  the  Commander,  after 
some  formalities,  delivered  up  his  sword  to  the  English 
lieutenant ;  but  now  a  great  difficulty  arose  with  tne 
Englishmen,  for  their  prize  was  nearly  unmanageable, 
and  she  was  also  supposed  to  be  in  a  sinking  condition, 
and  they  were  totally  unacquainted  with  the  manage 
ment  of  these  kind  of  craft.  Notwithstanding  they 
allowed  but  a  short  time  to  the  prisoners  to  get  ready 
to  go  on  board  of  the  frigate,  yet  they  were  exceedingly 
desirous  that  one  of  the  officers  and  a  half  a  dozen  of 
the  men  should  remain,  in  order  that  they  might  show 
them  how  they  might  work  the  craft,  as  they  were  ex 
tremely  anxious  to  get  her  into  port.  This,  however, 
the  Yankees  absolutely  and  promptly  refused,  "  pre* 
ferring,"  they  said,  "  to  go  on  board  of  the  frigate,  than 
to  go  to  Davy  Jones's  locker,"  which  they  affirmed  the 
Cruiser  would  do  in  less  than  two  hours. 

Notwithstanding  the  excessive  toil,  the  deep  suspense 
and  anxiety,  the  high  excitement  in  the  boats,  and 
capture  in  the  brig  —  the  chase,  action  s^ft  subsequent 
capture  of  the  Cruiser,  not  an  expression  of  fear,  nufc- 
fortune,  or  mean  submission,  could  be  seen  in  the  ap 
pearance  or  general  deportment,  among  the  officers  or 
crew  ;  no,  not  even  in  Jimmy  Ducks,  the  non-combatant, 
or  the  Down  Easter.  Every  man  on  board  of  that  craft 
had  discharged  his  duty  faithfully,  defended  her  gal 
lantly,  and  had  not  flinched  from  his  post,  in  the 
hottest  of  the  action,  and  amid  the  most  galling  and 
murderous  fire  of  the  enemy ;  yet,  a  casual  observe** 
might  have  traced  on  every  countenance  the  deepest 
27 


314  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

chagrin  and  mortification.  The  more  reckless  part  of 
them  did  not  hesitate  to  vent  their  spleen  and  anger 
upon  the  now  subdued  Commander,  and  epithets,  such 
as  "  Madman,  fool,  if  you  did  n't  know  how  to  work 
the  craft,  why  did  n't  you  give  her  up  to  the  first  lieu 
tenant  ?  "  were  often  heard.  Their  mortification  did 
not  arise  so  much  from  the  fact  of  their  being  prisoners 
of  war,  but  it  referred  to  the  foolish  manner  in  which 
the  Cruiser  had  been  taken  ;  for  none  were  so  blind  or 
so  ignorant,  as  not  to  perceive  that  the  whole  of  their 
misfortunes  were  entirely  owing  to  the  obstinancy,  mis 
management,  and  false  judgment  of  the  Commander. 

But  of  all  that  crew  fore  and  aft,  none  wore  so  high 
and  manly  a  bearing  as  our  two  heroes,  the  boatswain 
and  young  seaman.  Their  undaunted  courage,  for  they 
had  never  left  the  deck  of  the  Cruiser,  and  had  per 
formed  the  most  dangerous  and  difficult  services,  amid 
a  shower  of  the  enemy's  bullets,  but  above  all,  their 
skill  in  the  management  of  the  boat,  as  well  as  their 
coolness  anfj^ilaring  intrepidity  in  the  capture  of  the 
English  brig7  had  won  for  them  the  esteem  and  admi 
ration  of  every  man  on  board ;  and  when  the  pri 
soners  were  ordered  in  the  boats,  the  Commander 
solicited  for  them  the  same  berth  and  treatment 
that  would  be  conferred  upon  his  officers ;  but  they 
firmly  refused  to  accept  of  any  favor,  other  than  that 
to  which  they  were  entitled,  according  to  the  usage  of 
civilized  nations  in  time  of  war.  Shortly  after  the 
murderous  and  galling  fire  from  the  six  thirty-two 
pounders  from  the  frigate's  quarter-deck,  it  was  per- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  815 

ceived  that  the  Cruiser  was  gradually  settling  down  into 
the  water ;  for  one  of  the  shot  had  entered  a  little  below 
her  waist,  forward  of  the  gangway,  which  started 
several  of  the  butts  near  the  water-line.  Through 
these  apertures,  the  water  had  gradually  pressed  in, 
until  she  had  settled  sufficiently  deep  to  bring  them 
under  water,  from  which  time  she  settled  rapidly,  and 
there  was  scarcely  sufficient  time  (although  all  the 
frigate's  boats  were  employed,)  to  transport  the  pri 
soners  and  their  baggage  on  board  of  the  frigate,  and 
many  were  the  strokes  of  wit  from  the  Yankee  tars,  as 
they  tumbled  into  the  boats. 

"  By  all  that 's  lovely,"  said  an  old  quarter-master, 
"  she  is  not  struck  yet,  and  she 's  going  to  pay  her 
respects  to  Davy  Jones,  with  her  stars  and  stripes 
flying,"  for  the  colors  were  still  wound  round  the  top 
ping-lift. 

"  Well,  well,"  said  the  old  gunner,  "  I  should  just 
like  to  have  Long  Tom  pay  his  compliments  to  the 
frigate  by  way  of  politeness,  before  he  takes  his  long 
journey." 

"  Come,  come  !  "  bawled  out  several  voices,  "Jimmy, 
let 's  have  a  bit  of  a  ditty,  to  drive  away  our  melan 
choly.  Where 's  your  whistle,  lad  ?  " 

At  the  sound  of  the  whistle  Jimmy's  face  relaxed 
into  a  broad  grin,  and  as  he  had  his  constant  companion 
and  his  "  disperser  of  melancholy,"  as  he  called  it, 
always  about  him,  he  drew  it  forth,  and  would  actually 
have  given  them  some  sweet  sounds,  but  the  officers  of 
the  boat  ordered  him  to  put  up  his  fife.  The  Cruiser 


316  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

had  already  settled  so  rapidly,  that  the  after  part  of 
her  main-chains  was  in  the  water.  No  time  was  now  to 
be  lost ;  the  last  boat,  with  the  American  prisoners,  had 
pulled  off  from  the  sinking  Cruiser  ;  none  now  remained 
on  board,  except  the  English  lieutenant  and  a  few  men. 
For  these  there  was  a  boat  despatched  from  the  frigate, 
and  before  they  left  her,  she  had  settled  nearly  to  the 
decks.  It  was  a  melancholy,  yet  a  grand  spectacle  ; 
for  just  as  the  sun  was  setting  beneath  the  western 
horizon,  the  American  Cruiser  sunk  beneath  the  blue 
billows,  and  disappeared  from  the  sight  for  ever. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 


TREATMENT  OF  THE  AMERICAN  PRISONERS  —  ARRIVAL  IM 
PLYMOUTH. 


THE  reception  of  the  American  prisoners  on  board  of 

his  Britannic  Majesty's  frigate  L "was  not  of  the 

most  agreeable  and  delicate  nature.  Whether  this  was 
owing  to  the  loss  of  the  prize,  or  to  the  trouble  they  had 
in  her  capture,  or  to  the  audacity  which  the  Cruiser 
had  manifested  in  daring  to  fire  a  shot  at  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  frigate  L ,  or  to  all  of  these  circum 
stances  combined,  the  reason  or  reasons  of  the  polite 
reception  of  the  crew,  we  may  leave  the  reader  to 
judge.  However,  as  they  each  came  over  the  gang 
way,  they  were  strictly  searched  and  examined,  after 
which  a  genteel  epithet  was  bestowed,  such  as  "  pi 
ratical  villain,"  &c.,  and  then,  they  were  driven  down 
into  the  cable  tier,  in  charge  of  a  marine.  All  under 
went  the  same  scrutinizing  and  rigid  search,  with  some 
few  exceptions,  for  a  few  of  the  seamen  were  selected 
out  as  Englishmen,  who  were  threatened  by  the  indo 
mitable  first  lieutenant  to  be  hung  up  at  the  yard  arm, 
for  being  found  fighting  against  their  country.  Nor  did 
the  officers  meet  with  a  much  better  reception,  except 
27*  317 


318  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

that  the  location  assigned  to  them  was  a  little  more 
in  consonance  with  their  rank,  although  they,  in 
common  with  the  seamen,  were  looked  upon  as  so 
many  pirates  ;  but  they  condescended,  nevertheless,  to 
stow  them  against  the  ward-room  bulkhead,  and  their 
sleeping  place  (if  they  chose  to  enjoy  it,)  was  the  soft 
side  of  a  plank,  for  they  were  not  allowed  mattrass  or 
bedding  of  any  description.  This  was  truly  a  deplorable 
state  of  things,  but  it  would  have  been  infinitely  worse, 
if  their  frames  had  not  been  relieved  from  the  prac 
tical  demonstration  of  the  hard  location  on  which  they 
were  destined  to  repose. 

Although  much  could  not  be  said  in  favor  of  the 
warm  feelings  and  sensibilities  of  the  captain  and  first 
lieutenant  of  the  frigate,  nevertheless  there  were  some 
honorable  exceptions  among  the  subordinate  officers. 
From  these,  especially  the  junior  lieutenants,  masters, 
mates  and  midshipmen,  the  officers  received  as  much 
kind  treatment  as  they  could  bestow ;  for  it  may  be 
remarked,  that  the  first  lieutenant  was  not  slow  or 
backward  in -censuring  all  those  whom  he  saw  well 
disposed,  or  who  kindly  treated  the  American  pri 
soners.  The  captain  and  first  lieutenant  of  the  Cruiser 
messed  in  the  ward-room  with  the  lieutenants ;  the  other 
officers,  six  in  number,  messed  alternately  with  the 
masters,  mates  and  midshipmen,  from  whom  they  re 
ceived  a  part  of  their  own  bedding,  which  made  them 
tolerably  comfortable.  The  crew,  however,  fared  badly, 
for  they  were  all  stowed  away  in  the  cable  tiers,  nearly 
suffocated  for  want  of  air,  and  almost  choked  with  the 


THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER.  319 

stench  of  the  villanous  compound  of  smells  of  a  ship's 
hold.  This,  then,  was  the  location  assigned  them  for 
their  nightly  repose ;  they  were,  however,  somewhat 
relieved  in  the  day  time,  being  permitted  to  range  the 
spar  and  gun  decks,  from  the  waist  forwards,  and  were 
unmolested  in  their  loungings  and  spreeings  about,  to 
satisfy  the  various  curiosities  possessed  by  the  crew, 
who  in  appearance,  speech,  and  deportment,  were  dif 
ferent  from  the  frigate's  orderly  and  well-dressed  sea 
men.  The  privilege,  however,  of  ranging  the  gun  deck 
was  soon  cut  off,  for  the  frigate's  crew  having  much 
more  of  the  milk  of  human  kindness  than  the  first 
lieutenant,  not  only  shared  their  grub,  and  bedding,  but 
seemed  disposed  in  their  way  to  alleviate  their  situation 
as  prisoners  of  war.  For  this  mortal  offence  the  pri 
soners  were  not  only  deprived  of  the  liberty  to  range  the 
spar  and  gun  deck,  but  many  of  the  frigate's  crew  were 
severely  reprimanded,  while  others  were  taken  to  the 
gangway,  for  disobedience  of  orders,  and  were  com 
manded  not  to  have  any  intercourse  with  the  Yankee 
pirates. 

But  all  this  was  not  to  be  compared  to  their  living ; 
for  the  most  rigid  orders  were  now  issued  to  the  frigate's 
crew,  that  if  they  were  found  conveying  provisions  or 
sharing  their  own  allowance  with  the  prisoners,  for 
every  such  offence  they  should  be  flogged  at  the  gang- 
Avay.  This  was  a  severe  interdiction  for  the  Yankees, 
especially  as  their  allowance -was  what  is  called  "  six 
upon  four,"  that  is,  six  men  are  obliged  to  subsist  on 
the  same  amount  of  provisions  which  is  usually  allowed 


820  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

to  four  men.  Add  to  this,  the  provisions  were  of  the 
very  worst  kind,  viz.  lean  salt  beef,  which  sailors 
usually  denominate  soldier's  beef,  because  they  affirm 
that  it  might  be  carried  a  whole  campaign  in  the  knap 
sack,  without  any  danger  of  its  being  greased.  The 
bread  was  of  the  very  coarsest  and  blackest  kind,  and 
so  old,  that  instead  of  presenting  the  natural  qualities 
of  its  material,  it  seemed  like  a  living,  moving  mass ; 
for  instead  of  the  real  staff  of  life,  the  greater  part  of 
it  was  living  animals.  At  their  breakfast  and  supper, 
they  were  allowed  shells,  —  this  is  what  sailors  call  an 
apology  for  cocoa.  Even  this,  however,  would  have 
been  a  great  treat,  if  they  could  have  had  a  sufficient 
supply  of  the  beverage ;  nor  was  this  all,  for  the  inter 
course  between  the  officers  and  seamen  of  the  Cruiser, 
was  entirely  cut  off.  The  officers  were  not  allowed  to 
go  on  the  quarter-deck,  but  the  condition  of  the  seamen 
was  infinitely  worse,  being  confined  night  and  day  to 
the  lower  hold  —  two  only  being  permitted  to  go  on  deck 
at  the  same  time,  in  charge  of  a  marine  with  a  loaded 
musket ;  in  short,  nothing  was  left  undone  that  could 
mortify  the  officers,  and  render  the  miseries  of  war 
more  intolerable,  than  they  ought  to  be,  at  least,  among 
civilized  nations. 

Fortunately,  however,  for  the  American  prisoners, 
this  state  of  things  was  not  destined  to  be  of  long  dura 
tion.  It  seems  the  frigate  was  not  attached  to  the 
fleet  as  one  of  the  convoy,  as  she  had  been  on  the 
Channel  station  for  some  time  previously,  and  as  her 
cruise  was  nearly  up,  and  having  a  number  of  prison- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  821 

ers  on  board,  it  was.  determined  immediately  after  the 
capture  of  the  Cruiser  to  go  into  Plymouth  in  order  to 
get  rid  of  her  incumbrances.  As  soon,  therefore,  as 
she  had  taken  the  Cruiser,  she  stood  down  Channel,  in 
order  to  get  round  the  Land's  End  of  Plymouth. 

It  was  nearly  fifty-six  hours  before  the  famous  chalky 
cliffs  of  England  were  in  sight,  which  appeared  more 
and  more  cheerful  to  the  eye  of  the  beholder  as  the  fri 
gate  neared  it.  The  frigate  soon  entered  the  famous 
naval  depot,  the  port  of  Plymouth,  and  anchored  far  up 
in  the  harbor,  having  passed  numerous  vessels,  while 
running  in,  of  every  fashion  and  rig,  as  well  as  mam 
forts  and  views  which  are  not  only  picturesque  but  ex 
tremely  interesting  to  all  who  had  not  seen  the  entrance 
to  this  romantic  harbor.  It  was  a  matter  of  great  sur 
prise  and  astonishment  to  behold  the  sudden  and  great 
number  of  boats,  which  were  waiting  for  the  frigate  to 
anchor,  loaded  to  their  gunwales  with  eatables  and  gew 
gaws  of  every  description,  to  entice  the  hard-earned 
money  from  the  pockets  of  the  sailors.  Many  of  these 
boats  were  occupied  by  those  who  were  prepared  to 
Araffic :  long-bearded  Jews,  woolly-mouthed  Christians, 
blarney-primed  Irish,  burly-bellied  English,  and  skip 
jack,  grinning  Frenchmen,  were  all  eager  to  show  off' 
the  good  qualities  of  their  merchandise,  and  depreciate 
that  of  their  neighbor,  each  with  an  earnestness,  dia 
lect,  and  grimace  peculiar  to  himself.  But  the  greater 
portion  of  the  boats  contained  the  wives  and  children  of 
the  seamen,  who  came  off  to  welcome  again  their  hus 
bands  and  fathers  to  their  homes.  There  was  but  little 


322  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

restriction,  and  people  flocked  off  in  great  numbers,  all 
claiming  relatives  on  board,  which  procured  them  per 
mission  to  enter  with  freedom.  And  it  would  almost 
seem,  that  half  the  people  of  England  had  the  largest 
share  of  their  relatives  in  this  vessel,  so  numerously 
they  appeared,  and  so  constantly  were  they  coming  and 
going  the  entire  day  on  which  the  frigate  arrived. 
There  was  one  man  belonging  to  the  frigate  much 
esteemed  by  his  siifpmates,  and  was  a  general  favorite 
among  those  who  came  off  from  the  shore ;  for  there 
was  scarcely  a  boat  that  had  not  a  wife,  a  sister,  or 
mother  of  his  on  board,  of  all  ages,  from  the  gay, 
laughter-loving  lass  of  sixteen,  to  the  staid  matron  of 
fifty.  Nay,  some  were  entirely  peopled  with  those  per 
taining  to  his  family.  Had  he  but  the  least  portion  of 
these  motley  and  bedizened  families  to  provide  for,  his 
chance  was  small  of  becoming  rich  from  the  savings  of 
his  monthly  pay,  or  paying  the  debt  of  his  nation, 
should  he  wish  to  be  handed  down  to  posterity  as  a 
public  benefactor.  However,  this  man  knew  how  to 
keep  on  the  fair-weather  side  of  those  who  rioted  in 
abundance,  if  the  privilege  of  opinion  is  allowed,  by  the 
store  of  eatables  each  brought  off  for  the  regaling  of 
themselves  whilst  visiting  the  ship,  and  the  carte-blanche 
for  free  quarters  he  enjoyed  with  the  whole  troop,  day 
and  night.  It  is  said  that  sailors  have  a  wife  in  each 
port  they  touch  at,  but  this  addition  of  numbers  was 
rather  out  of  character.  But  were  all  wives  to  provide 
as  liberally  as  these,  it  certainly  is  not  so  uncomfortable 
to  have  them  in  abundance.  The  number  of  females 


A«» 

THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  825 

that  flock  on  board  of  these  men-of-war  is  incredible, 
especially  those  which  come  into  port  after  a  long  cruise 
—  saj  from  five  to  seven  hundred. 

On  the  morning  following  the  arrival  of  the  frigate, 
the  prisoners  were  piped  up  with  the  command,  from 
the  deep  growl  of  the  boatswain,  to  bear  a  hand,  and  go 
on  board  of  the  prison-ship.  "  Ah  !  "  said  one,  "  we 
have  found  favor  and  will  make  a  visit  to  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  ship,  so  as  to  be  back  time  enough  for  dinner." 

"  I  would  sooner  take  the  dinner  without  the  visit, 
if  it 's  all  the  same ,  to  iihe  skipper ;  for  I  am  sharp  set 
enough  now  to  eat  the  head  from  a  nine  inch  bolt, 
without  spice  or  salt,"  said  another.  "For  one,  my 
appetite  is  sufficiently  sharp,  and  do  n't  need  any  whet 
ting  up  by  this  visit." 

"  And  so  is  mine,"  cried  another ;  "  for  since  yes 
terday  I  have  tasted  nothing  but  a  thimble  full  of  pea 
soup,  not  enough  to  say  whether  it  was  victuals  or 
physic." 

"  Physic  me  into  a  figure-head,  to  lap  cold  spray,  but 
I  would  rather  go  on  board  of  the  prison-ship,  than  to 
stay  here  in  this  dog's  hole  we  are  forced  to  sleep  in." 

"  Aye,  and  that  would  I  too,  Jack ;  for  here  one 
breaks  his  fast  less  often  than  he  does  one  of  the  ten 
commandments,  and  at  this  rate,  when  shall  we  receive 
absolution  ?  " 

"  If  fasting  brings  holiness.,  I  have  been  free  from 
sin,  since  twelve  of  yesterday,  for  since  then  I  have  not 
broken  it ;  but  it 's  a  severe  way  of  proving  one's  re 
formation." 

28 


326  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

"  Yes,  I  'm  blessed  if  it  is  n't,  for  I  have  tried  it, 
and  find  the  cure  worse  than  the  ailment." 

"And,"  said  one  who  had  not  before  spoken,  "if  I 
am  not  blessedly  mistaken,  you  will  not  break  your  fast 
again,  unless  you  take  a  slice  from  your  shoe  heel ;  for 
depend  upon  it,  this  early  going  on  board  of  the  prison- 
ship,  before  breakfast,  means  nothing  more  nor  less, 
than  to  content  yourself  until  the  grub  is  served  out  for 
dinner." 

So  it  proved ;  for  in  less  than  thirty  minutes  after 
they  were  called,  the  prisoners  were  tumbling  over  the 
side  of  the  ship,  bag  and  baggage,  into  a  launch  •  pre 
pared  for  the  purpose.  Each  sixth  man,  as  he  passed 
the  gangway,  had  thrust  into  his  hands  or  pockets  the 
mess  rations  for  the  day,  of  hard  biscuit  and  raw  salt 
beef,  dripping  from  the  briny  tub,  out  of  which  it  was 
but  just  taken,  and  transferred  to  the  crew,  who  could 
make  no  use  of  it. 

The  distance  from  the  frigate  to  the  prison-ship  was 
about  two  miles,  and  while  rowing  up  the  harbor,  Ply 
mouth  and  its  environs,  with  an  immense  number  of 
men-of-war  of  every  description,  presented  to  the  eye 
as  well  as  to  the  mind,  a  most  delightful  contrast, 
when  compared  to  the  miserable  treatment  and  confine 
ment  of  the  frigate.  The  boats  passed  close  under  the 
stern  of  Lord  Nelson's  one  hundred  and  ten  gun  ship, 
Victory,  on  the  deck  of  which  he  received  his  mortal 
wound  during  the  battle  of  Trafalgar.  There  were  also 
many  others,  whose  names  had  become  renowned  in  the 
history  of  naval  warfare.  It  was  not  difficult  to  per- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  827 

ceive  the  ships  or  hulks  that  were  appropriated  for  the 
reception  of  prisoners  of  Avar.  Several  of  these  were  at 
a  distance  from  the  ships  in  commission,  and  could 
easily  be  designated  from  the  rest,  as  they  were  entirely 
dismantled,  being  without  spars,  armament,  &c.,  and 
fitted  up  as  temporary  residences,  for  the  incarceration 
of  prisoners.  The  one  in  which  these  were  destined  to 
enter  could  not  be  mistaken,  from  the  fact  that  num 
bers  of  American  prisoners  were  crowded  on  her  upper 
deck,  ready  to  receive  the  'unfortunate  beings  who  had 
fallen  into  British  captivity ;  but,  in  confirmation  of  the 
old  adage,  "  misery  loves  company,"  they  were  wel 
comed  on  board  with  many  smiles  and  greetings,  the 
whole  of  them  being  under  the  firmest  conviction  that 
they  would  soon  be  exchanged,  and  their  durance  vile 
be  of  short  duration.  , 

The  reception  of  the  prisoners  on  board  of  this  hulk, 
which  had  formerly  been  a  line  of  battle  ship,  and  one 
which  had  composed  a  part  of  St.  Vincent's  fleet, 
and  from  her  great  age  had  been  long  out  of  com 
mission,  was  marked  with  much  show,  in  order  to 
impress  the  prisoners  with  the  great  precaution  they 
would  observe,  to  secure  these  victims  in  their 
future  confinement.  Files  of  soldiers  were  placed  at 
each  side  of  the  gangway,  and  as  each  man  passed  up, 
he  was  critically  examined  by  several  naval  officers, 
in  order  to  ascertain  if  there  were  Englishmen  among 
them.  Several  were  scrutinized  with  the  utmost  rigor, 
among  whom  were  our  two  heroes,  the  boatswain  and 
young  seaman.  They  were^ftecidedly  the  best  looking 


328  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

men  among  the  whole  crew ;  their  whole  exterior  com 
manded  the  admiration  and  respect,  even  of  the  naval 
examiners ;  but  they  were  so  well  secured  by  their  Am 
erican  passports  and  protections,  that  although  unwil 
lingly,  yet  they  were  compelled  to  let  them  pass  on. 
The  name  of  each  man  was  taken,  and  recorded  in  a 
book,  and  it  Avas  said  that  the  number  of  prisoners  on 
board,  now  amounted  to  nearly  five  hundred. 


CHAPTER    XXXH. 

MARCH  TO  STAPLETON,  &c. 

THREE  weeks  had  scarcely  elapsed  since  the  confine 
ment  of  the  crew,  when  the  captured  American  prison 
ers  poured  in  in  such  great  numbers,  that  it  was  impos 
sible  for  them  to  remain  at  Plymouth  on  board  of  these 
hulks.  Orders  were  therefore  issued  to  send  four 
drafts,  of  a  hundred  men  each,  to  the  depot  for  prison 
ers  at  Stapleton,  near  Bristol.  The  prisoners  received 
this  intelligence  with  a  degree  of  satisfaction,  because 
of  their  uncomfortable  situation,  being  crowded  in  such 
great  numbers  on  board  of  this  ship.  This  feeling, 
however,  was  mixed  up  with  much  gloom  and  despond 
ency,  because  they  began  to  suspect  that  the  prospect  of 
exchange  was  less  probable  than  if  they  were  to  remain 
at  Plymouth  ;  nor  were  their  fears  exaggerated,  for 
there  were  at  this  time  many  American  seamen  who 
had  given  themselves  up  from  British  men-of-war.  Of 
course  these  would  'be  exchanged  before  others  who 
had  been  captured  in  battle.  Add  to  this  that  there 
was  but  little  care  taken  of  British  subjects  by  the 
American  government  when  captured  by  American 

28*  829 


330  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

cruisers,  so  that  there  would  be  but  few  comparatively 
to  exchange. 

The  time  having  arrived,  the  first  draft,  in  which  was 
contained  the  whole  of  the  seamen  and  petty  officers  of 
the  Cruiser,  was  landed  at  Plymouth  Dock,  where 
there  was  an  escort  consisting  of  one  hundred  soldiers 
of  the  infantry  and  fifty  mounted  dragoons  ;  the  latter 
were  a  part  of  that  nolle  regiment  of  Scotch  Greys, 
which  subsequently  so  highly  distinguished  itself  in  the 
war  of  the  Peninsula. 

The  commander  of  this  escort,  a  man  of  about  five 
and  thirty.  Avas  of  noble  birth,  and  had  been  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  colonel  for  his  bravery,  of  which  he  bore 
honorable  marks,  having  many  wounds,  some  of  which 
were  visible.  This  officer  was  in  every  respect  opposite 
in  his  character  to  the  Captain  and  first  lieutenant  of 
the  frigate.  He  was  manly,  generous,  and  humane, 
and  sought  by  every  means  in  his  power,  (so  far 
as  his  duty  and  obligation  permitted),  to  alleviate 
the  miseries  and  sufferings  of  the  prisoners  ;  of  this, 
however,  we  shall  have  occasion  presently  to  -speak 
more  fully. 

The  troops  were  drawn  up  in  quadrangular  form,  the 
American  prisoners  were  in  the  centre,  the  infantry 
forming  the  line  on  each  side,  while  the  dragoons  were 
in  the  van  and  rear,  and  the  whole  train  of  baggage 
wagons  followed  at  a  distance  of 'not  more  than  three 
hundred  yards. 

In  one  hour  from  the  time  of  landing,  the  escort  moved 
slowly  on,  being  scarcely  able  to  make  any  way  through 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  331 

the  thronging  multitude  —  some  of  whom  were  lavish 
in  their  execration,  others  exulted,  while  not  a  few  ex 
hibited  signs  of  the  greatest  surprise  and  astonishment, 
when  they  saw  that  the  American  prisoners  were  like 
civilized  beings  or  Christian  men,  for  they  supposed  that 
all  Americans  were  like  wild  Indians.  There  were 
many,  however,  who  expressed  much  sympathy,  by 
giving  utterance  to  their  feelings  in  lamentations  and 
cries. 

"Ah!"  says  an  old  woman,  "  but  it's  a  pity  that 
the  likes  o'  ye,  such  brave  lads,  should  be  driven  along 
like  a  parcel  o'  cattle  by  these  murthering  solgers." 

"  Look  there  !"  cries  another,  "  isn't  it  the  same 
lingo  that  we  spake  ?" 

"  And  ar'nt  they  the  same  as  us,  sure  ?  "  says  an 
Irishman  ;  "  it  is  not  Patrick  O'Rourke  that  would  be 
after  meddling  wid  such  a  dirty  business  as  this." 

"Here,  God  bless  ye,"  cried  an  old  woman,  (as  she 
approached  the  young  seaman  endeavoring  to  force  a 
shilling  into  his  hand)  "  ye  put  me  in  mind  of  my  own 
dear  son,  the  Lord  love  him,  for  ye  are  enough  alike  to 
be  own  dear  brothers." 

These  and  many  other  sallies  from  the  multitude, 
gave  a  strong  expression  of  feeling  and  sympathy,  and 
in  short  the  escort  were  so  much  thronged,  that  the 
commanding  officer  was  obliged  to  give  orders  for  the 
multitude  to  retire  far  in  the  rear  of  the  American  pri 
soners. 

Seamen  of  all  men  are  less  able  to  perform  the  labor 
•of  a  long  march  ;  the  reason  assigned  for  this  may  be 


532  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

that  their  peculiar  vocation  demands  less  of  this  exer 
cise,  than  that  of  any  other  pursuit ;  indeed  they  have 
little  or  no  opportunity  for  this  kind  of  exertion,  for  the 
greater  part  of  their  life  is  spent  on  the  ocean, 
and  their  rambles  are  qpnfined  to  an  exceedingly 
narrow  space,  say  the  length  and  breadth  of  a  ship's 
main-deck  and  forecastle,  which  ordinarily  does  not 
exceed  eighty  by  thirty  feet ;  and  although  the  frames 
of  many  seamen  are  almost  impervious  to  the  hardships 
and  privations  of  a  sea  life,  yet  they  are  capable  of  less 
endurance  on  the  march  than  almost  the  weakest  lands 
man. 

The  escort  had  scarcely  reached  the  distance  of  two 
leagues,  when  some  of  the  prisoners  began  to  show  signs 
of  fatigue  ;  and  before  they  had  accomplished  an  addi 
tional  league,  many  of  them,  from  their  great  fatigue 
and  soreness  of  feet,  actually  broke  down  and  could  go 
no  farther.  The  Commander,  with  that  humanity  which 
characterized  his  noble  spirit,  ordered  all  such  as  had 
given  out  to  be  placed  in  the  baggage  wagons  ;  and 
the  dragoons  he  obliged  to  dismount  and  walk,  and  allow 
the  officers  who  were  in  the  least  tired,  to  take 
their  places  in  their  saddles.  In  this  way  then 
they  proceeded  on  the  first  day's  march.  No  circum 
stance  that  could  mitigate  in  the  least  the  unfortunate 
condition  of  the  prisoners,  was  omitted  by  this  humane 
and  generous  officer.  A  few  miles  previous  to  the  in 
tended  halt  for  the  night,  the  Commander  sent  for  all 
the  officers  among  the  American  prisoners,  arid  it  may 
be  well  to  add  that  the  boatswain  and  young  seaman 


THE   AMERICAN    CRUISER.  833 

were  of  that  number.     After  they  had  all  collected 
together,  he  addressed  them  to  the  following  effect  : 

"  I  have  sent  for  you,"  said  the  gentleman,  "  wish 
ing  to  make  your  time  while  under  my  command  as 
pleasant  as  the  nature  of  the  circumstances  will  ad 
mit.  Now  if  you  will  each  pledge  me  your  word,  that 
during  this  march  you  will  not  make  your  escape,  or 
endeavor  to  do  so,  then  I  will  promise  you  on  my  part 
that  you  shall  at  my  expense,  not  only  live  upon  the 
best  the  country  affords,  but  every  one  of  you  shall 
have  comfortable  bed  and  lodging  provided,  at  the  con 
clusion  of  each  day's  march." 

This  request  appeared  so-  reasonable,  and  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  it  so  much  was  implied,  that 
without  the  least  hesitation,  the  required  promise  was 
unanimously  given ;  and  thus  the  officers  had  now 
bound  themselves  by  their  word  of  honor  not  to  make  any 
effort  to  escape  —  which  by  the  way  was  a  very  short 
sighted  movement  on  their  part,  especially  as  so  many 
opportunities  were  presented  before  their  arrival  at 
Stapleton  prison,  to  make  their  escape.  The  com 
pact  on  the  part  of  the  Commander  was-  faithfully  per 
formed,  for  immediately  after  the  arrangement,  he 
despatched  a  dragoon  to  the  town  at  which  they  intend 
ed  to  remain  for  the  night.  In  this  place  every  thing 
wa*  secured  necessary  for  the  comfort  of  the  prisoners, 
and  after  a  weary  and  tiresome  march  of  six  leagues, 
they  arrived  at  the  halting  place,  at  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon.  The  officers  were  then  called  by  name,  and 
introduced  to  a  fine  hotel,  where  they  found  a  sumptu- 


834  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

oug  repast  in  readiness  for  their  reception,  the  Com 
mander  himself  making  one  of  the  company,  avowing 
his  determination  to  do  the  honors  of  the  table.  We 
shall  leave  this  company  for  the  present  to  discuss  the 
merits  of  the  dinner  and  wine,  and  look  after  the  re 
mainder  of  the  prisoners. 

In  the  first  place,  a  large  and  spacious  barn,  well 
filled  with  straw,  was  taken  for  their  accommodations 
for  the  night ;  after  which  a  plentiful  and  solid  dinner 
of  beef,  soup,  and  vegetables,  was  provided,  to  their  no 
small  gratification  ;  and  if  the  little  musician  was  aston 
ished  and  confounded  at  the  rapid  demolition  of  the 
eatables  at  the  supper  previous  to  the  departure  of  the 
Cruiser,  he  had  abundantly  more  reason  on  this  occa 
sion,  for  the  appetites  of  the  seamen  had  not  been  en 
tirely  satisfied  since  their  capture  until  now,  and  as  a 
matter  of  course  they  felt  but  little  delicacy  in  making  up 
for  fprmer  deficiencies.  Now  the  admirable  tack  of  the 
Commander  in  reconciling  the  prisoners  to  their  situa 
tion,  had  not  only  driven  all  thoughts  from  their  minds 
to  desert,  but  they  actually  exhibited  a  degree  of  cheer 
fulness  which  had  been  quite  unusual  since  their  con 
finement.  And  as  Jimmy  had  always  his  resources  at 
hand  to  drive  away  melancholy,  he  on  this  occasion 
fifed  and  sung  to  the  great  amusement  and  gratifica 
tion  of  the  company,  till,  tired  and  worn  out  with  the 
fatigues  of  the  day,  by  unanimous  consent,  they  fell 
into  a  deep  and  sound  repose.  Not  so  with  the  officers 
and  the  Commander  of  the  escort  at  the  hotel ;  for  they 
not  only  enjoyed  a  sumptuous  meal,  but  had  also 


THE    AMERICAN    CKUISEB.  885 

partaken  liberally  of  the  wine,  and  its  effects  were 
abundantly  manifest  by  the  uproar  of  songs,  toasts,  and 
frequent  sallies  of  wit  and  merriment ;  and  the  Brit 
ish  Commander  was  not  only  more  frequent  in  his  pota 
tions,  but  in  the  whole  affair  he  bore  a  most  con 
spicuous  part.  It  may  then  be  seen  with  what 
facility  the  American  officers  could  have  effect 
ed  their  liberty.  Here  lay  the  commanding  officer, 
his  senses  entirely  stupefied  with  the  intoxicating 
draught,  and  one  solitary  sentinel  guarding  the  door ; 
but  he  had  drunk  so  largely  of  the  same  spirit  with 
his  master,  that  neither  of  them  presented  the  least 
resistance  ;  and  yet  the  sacredness  of  the  pledge  of  the 
American  prisoners  was  more  formidable  on  this  occa 
sion  than  bolts,  bars,  locks,  and  even  military  force,  for 
not  one  of  that  party  made  any  effort  to  get  free  from 
this  bondage.  This  day,  then,  may  be  considered  a  fair 
specimen  of  the  usuage  and  treatment  of  the  succeed 
ing  six  days'  march,  except  that  in  each  day  the  dis 
tance  was  increased. 

On  the  seventh  day,  the  whole  escort  reached  the 
famous  city  of  Bristol.  This  being  one  of  the  larger 
seaports  of  Great  Britain,  there  had  been  much  inter 
course  with  the  Americans  previous  to  the  war,  so  that 
the  appearance  of  American  prisoners  did  not  create  so 
much  wonder  and  astonishment  as  had  been  expressed 
by  the  people  in  the  various  towns  through  which  they 
had  passed ;  indeed,  through  whatever  streets  the  escort 
had  occasion  to  pass,  there  was  a  universal  burst  of 
sympathetic  feeling,  pity,  and  commiseration ;  and  no 


386  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

f 

wonder,  for  the  jaded  appearance  of  the  prisoners  after 
this  long  and  fatiguing  march,  presented  a  most  melan 
choly  picture  of  the  calamity  of  war,  especially  between 
two  nations  that  bear  so  close  an  affinity  to  each  other 
in  language  and  habits.  The  town  of  Stapleton  lies 
north-east  of  Bristol,  about  seven  miles  distant.  The 
depot,  or  prisons,  are  situated  at  its  outer  edge,  and 
half  a  league  apart  from  its  inhabitants ;  thither  the 
whole  escort  bent  their  way,  followed  by  a  number  of 
the  inhabitants,  each  eager  to  bestow  some  little  act  of 
kindness  to  commiserate  the  condition  or  situation  of 
the  prisoners. 

Toward  the  close  of  the  day,  the  long-looked-for  and 
now  desirable  place  of  rest,  the  prisons,  hove  in  sight. 
And  as  the  sun  was  setting,  the  Americans  entered  the 
depot  at  Stapleton,  amid  the  greetings  and  acclama 
tions  of  three  thousand  French  prisoners ;  and  as  they 
had  information  previous  to  their  arrival,  each  man  had 
assigned  to  him  a  berth  to  mess  in,  as  well  as  a  situa 
tion  to  swing  his  hammock. 


CHAPTER    XXXIII. 

DESCRIPTION  OP  TF1E  PRISONS,   FRENCH  PRISONERS,  &<5. 

THE  morning  after  the  arrival  of  the  prisoners, 
was  one  of  those  clear,  bland  days,  which  are  frequent 
in  the  Island  of  Great  Britain,  at  this  season  of  the 
year.  The  moderate  elevation  of  the  prisons,  com 
manded  a  most  delightful  view  of  the  country  for 
many  miles  around.  In  a  direct  line  fronting  upon  the 
wes^side,  was  situated  the  magnificent  and  vast  palace 
and  grounds  of  the  Duke  of  Devonshire.  Here  the  eye 
may  range  over  the  vast  fields  and  lawns,  which  are 
laid  out  in  all  the  beauty  and  variety  of  the  most  con 
summate  skill  and  taste.  On  the  one  side,  in  the  back 
ground,  is  an  extensive  park,  in  which  there  are  nu 
merous  deer,  and  on  the  other  an  extensive  pond  or  lake 
of  water,  each  of  which  is  calculated  to  afford  amuse 
ment  and  pleasure,  for  the  hunter,  or  for  those  who  are 
more  gratified  with  fishing.  In  short,  with  the  beau 
tiful  prospect  over  which  the  eye  might  feast  and  range 
on  all  sides  of  this  depot,  the  mind  could  often  be  re 
lieved  from  that  apathetic  dulness,  the  result  of  long 
confinement,  and  the  absence  of  intercourse  with  the 
world  without.  This  depot  was  formed  into  a  square, 

337 


338  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

surrounded  on  all  sides  with  a  wall  ten  feet  in  height, 
the  summit  of  which  was  sufficiently  broad  to  plant 
cannon  at  convenient  distances,  so  as  to  command  every 
pi-ison  ;  on  the  top  of  these  walls  were  sentinels,  and  on 
the  outside  there  was  a  ditch  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
feet  broad ;  in  the  centre  were  three  prisons,  the 
west  ends  of  which  all  verged  to  a  compass  of  about  a 
hundred  feet,  facing  the  buildings  on  the  outside,  which 
were  appropriated  for  the  hospital,  marine  barracks, 
officers'  dwellings,  and  turnkeys'  residences.  The 
prisons  were  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  length, 
two  stories  high,  and  strongly  built  of  stone,  in  which 
were  windows  secured  with  heavy  iron  gratings. 

The  interior  of  these  prisons,  above  and  below,  was 
divided  on  either  side  by  a  space  of  ten  feet  each,  in 
the  centre  of  which,  there  was  a  space  or  aisle,  wjjich 
might  be  six  feet  wide,  and  this  extended  through  the 
whole  length  of  the  prison.  On  either  side  of  these 
spaces,  at  convenient  distances,  were  firmly  secured 
perpendicularly,  heavy  pieces  of  scantling,  on  the  top  of 
which,  parallel  to  the  whole  extent  of  the  prison,  were 
pieces  of  the  same,  morticed,  which  formed  a  strong 
frame  appropriated  for  the  prisoners,  on  which  to  swing 
their  hammocks.  A  heavy  flight  of  rudely  cut  stone 
steps,  led  up  into  the  second  apartment,  which  was  in 
all  respects  similar  to  the  one  below ;  above  this,  the 
French  prisoners  had  managed  to  form  another  floor, 
and  had  divided  it  off  into  different  apartments,  appro 
priating  them  to  the  different  branches  of  the  me 
chanical  arts. 


THE    AMERICAN     CRUISEB.  339 

The  prison  yard  was  one  thousand  feet  in  length,  and 
from  three  to  four  hundred  in  breadth.  Here  were 
small  buildings  interspersed  in  every  section  of  the 
yard,  among  which  were  seven  billiard  tables  neatly 
secured  from  the  weather ;  the  prisons  were  also  well 
supplied  with  an  abundance  of  pure  fresh  water,  and 
the  country  around  afforded  every  thing  to  satisfy  the 
appetite  and  gratify  the  taste,  provided  one  had  the 
needful  with  which  to  purchase  ;  for  the  French  prison 
ers  had  obtained  the  privilege  of  two  market  days  in 
each  week,  on  which  occasions  the  country  people 
flock  in  great  numbers,  in  order  to  buy,  sell  and  ex 
change  their  commodities  with  the  prisoners  ;  in  short, 
every  facility  was  given  for  the  comfort  and  happiness 
of  this  community,  so  far  as  they  could  enjoy  it,  stripped, 
as  they  were,  of  their  liberty  and  freedom.  The  contrast 
of  dispositions  between  the  American  and  French  pri 
soners,  was  truly  surprising,  for  the  Americans  were 
ever  restless,  ever  planning  means  for  their  escape,  and, 
as  a  matter  of  course,  they  spent  what  little  means  they 
had  in  possession,  and  not  being  able  or  willing  to  settle 
upon  any  employment,  they  soon  became  miserably 
poor,  usually  resorting  to  the  gambling  table,  to  procure, 
if  possible,  a  relief  from  their  distresses  ;  and  this  un 
fortunately  was  the  case  with  a  great  majority  of  the 
Americans.  It  is  true,  for  some  time  after  their  incar 
ceration,  they  expected  to  be  exchanged  ;  but  as  soon  as 
this  hope  was  cut  off,  instead  of  applying  themselves  to 
smne  pursuit,  which  would  afford  them  at  least  a  suffi 
ciency  with  their  prison  allowance  to  live  upon,  they 


340  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

gave  themselves  up  to  habits  of  the  basest  indolence 
and  recklessness,  consequently  they  were  discarded  by 
those  Frenchmen,  who  would  have  gladly  taught  them  in 
a  branch  of  business  adequate  for  their  support. 

Not  so,  however,  with  the  French  prisoners,  for  long 
confinement,  with  their  peculiar  temperament,  had  re 
conciled  them  to  their  lot ;  so  that  the  whole  interior  as 
well  as  exterior  of  the  prisons,  and  prison-yards,  and  its 
inmates,  presented  a  most  thriving  and  flourishing  com 
munity.  Every  thing  was  reduced  to  system :  here 
was  a  constitution,  laws,  penalties,  regular  courts  of 
judicature,  judges,  lawyers,  inferior  officers,  &c.  ;  the 
laws  were  duly  respected,  and  every  breach  and  viola 
tion  of  the  same,  was  adjudged  and  punished  according 
to  its  flagrancy ;  the  rights  of  property  and  the  social 
compact  were  rigidly  observed ;  in  short,  whatever 
would  promote  the  well  being,  security  and  happiness 
of  this  community,  in  regard  to  the  wholesome  laws 
and  the  manner  of  their  being  carried  into  effect, 
seemed  an  imperious  obligation,  to  which  all  strenuously 
adhered. 

But  there  was  another  point,  which  added  much  io 
the  comfort  and  happiness  of  this  society.  Perhaps 
in  the  same  amount  of  population,  in  any  other  section 
of  the  community,  on  the  Island  of  Great  Britain,  there 
could  not  be  found  the  same  number  of  men  without 
having  paupers  among  them ;  here,  however,  was  an 
exception,  and  this  was  the  more  surprising,  because  no 
coercion  compelled  them  to  labor ;  however,  the  larger 
majority  would  on  no  account  support  any  one  in  idle- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  841 

ness,  and  therefore  industry  became  a  matter  of  neces 
sity  as  well  as  obligation ;  for  the  declaration  of  the 
Apostle  was  here  literally  fulfilled,  "He  that  will 
not  work  shall  not  eat."  Perhaps  there  could  not 
have  been  found  in  any  community  of  the  same  amount 
of  population,  a  greater  number  of  the  different  branches 
of  mechanics,  or  a  greater  display  of  ingenuity,  than 
among  this  people  ;  indeed  there  was  as  much  regularity 
and  system,  with  the  mechanics  and  the  various  branches 
of  manufactures  and  trade,  as  can  well  be  imagined ; 
and  in  their  sales  and  purchases,  they  not  only  had  an 
eye  to  the  present  means  of  subsistence,  but  it  seemed 
to  be  one  object  among  them  generally,  to  lay  up  in 
store,  or  in  common  parlance,  to  hoard  up  money. 
This  may  appear  strange  ;  nevertheless,  they  are  facts 
which  cannot  be  disproved,  for  when  peace  took  place 
between  France  and  England,  and  the  French  prisoners 
were  sent  home,  there  were  not  a  few  of  them  who  had 
accumulated  from  five  hundred  to  two  thousand  guineas 
in  cash,  which  they  actually  had  made  by  their  in 
dustry,  while  in  prison,  and  carried  it  away  to  France. 
The  general  mode  of  operations  in  these  prisons  was,  by 
a  unanimous  law  among  themselves,  to  rise  at  a  certain 
hour,  very  early,  in  the  morning,  and  as  they  were 
divided  into  messes  of  six,  each  mess  cleansed  and 
purified  its  own  location,  as  well  as  lashed  up 
the  bedding  in  the  hammocks.  They  had  also  a 
certain  time  for  breakfast,  an  arrangement  with  which 
the  keepers  of  the  prison  never  meddled  or  interfered. 
Immediately  after  this  operation,  the  hammocks  and 
29* 


342  THE    AMERICAN    CKUISEK. 

bedding  were  all  taken  out  of  the  prisons,  and  stowed 
away  in  a  small  building  in  the  yard  appropriated  for 
that  purpose.  The  prisoners  were  then  obliged  to  leave 
the  prison,  after  which  they  were  inspected  by  the 
officers  who  had  the  management  of  them ;  this  opera 
tion  was  performed  in  a  very  short  time,  after  which  the 
prisons  were  thrown  open,  and  every  man  entered  upon 
his  peculiar  avocation,  with  as  much  regularity  as  might 
be  witnessed  in  the  world  without.  Different  locations 
were  assigned  for  the  different  branches  of  mechanics ; 
in  one  part  of  the  prison  you  might  have  seen  from 
thirty  to  fifty  sail-makers,  all  employed ;  in  another  as 
many  shoemakers  ;  here,  also,  might  be  seen  different 
branches  of  manufactures,  such  as  lace,  straw,  musical 
instruments,  many  specimens  of  the  most  beautiful  work 
manufactured  from  the  bones  of  the  beef  which  was 
there  consumed,  such  as  vessels  of  every  description, 
toys,  and  many  curious  imitations  of  fairs,  so  constructed 
by  machinery,  that  every  thing  connected  with  them  had 
its  own  peculiar  movement,  so  that  all  were  hfoperation 
at  the  same  time.  Here  also  were  schools,  in  which 
were  taught  all  the  different  branches  of  education,  as 
well  as  the  polite  accomplishments,  such  as  music, 
dancing,  fencing,  &c.  In  the  various  buildings  that 
were  interspersed  in  every  part  of  the  prison-yard,  the 
heavier  branches  of  mechanics  were  carried  on,  such  as, 
carpenters,  blacksmiths,  coopers,  hatters,  &c.  Some  of 
these  were  used  for  hotels,  coffee  shops,  eating  houses, 
—  in  short,  not  only  the  more  substantial  eatables,  but 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  343 

also  all  the  luxuries  of  life,  could  here  be  obtained,  pro 
vided  the  needful  was  forthcoming. 

Every  species  of  amusement,  for  recreation  to  the 
mind,  as  well  as  to  the  body,  might  here  be  enjoyed, 
and  oftentimes  proved  a  source  of  relief,  driving  away 
those  feelings  of  sorrow  and  melancholy  induced  by  long 
confinement.  There  were  not  a  few  of  these  French 
men,  whose  bondage  had  already  extended  from  five 
to  ten  years,  and  many  of  them  had  become  so  com 
pletely  reconciled  and  satisfied  with  their  lot,  that 
when  peace  was  proclaimed,  they  would  have  preferred 
to  remain  at  Stapleton,  rather  than  go  home  to  France. 
This,  however,  was  not  a  matter  of  astonishment,  be 
cause  many  of  them  had  been  captured  when  quite 
young,  consequently  all  their  associations  were  formed 
within  the  walls  of  the  prison,  and  they  were  entirely 
ignorant  of  the  ways  of  the  world  without :  there  were 
not  a  few  of  them,  whose  recollections  in  regard  to  their 
own  country  had  become  nearly  obliterated;  add  to 
this,  they  were  homeless,  and  friendless,  consequently 
when  they  had  their  freedom,  as  a  matter  of  necessity 
they  would  be  obliged  to  form  other  associations,  and 
commence  the  world  entirely  anew. 

While  therefore  their  hours  of  confinement  passed 
away,  I  may  almost  say  happily,  they  never  thought  of 
concerting  any  plans  for  their  escape  ;  and  so  well  sa 
tisfied  were  the  British  officers  of  the  depot  in  regard 
to  the  general  deportment  and  behavior  of  the  French 
men,  that  every  privilege  was  granted  them  that  could 
in  any  way  ameliorate  their  captivity. 


844  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISEK. 

Not  so,  however,  with  the  American  prisoners  ;  for 
they  were  debarred  many  privileges,  in  consequence 
of  their  recklessness  and  the  almost  constant  state  of 
restlessness  manifested  in  their  conduct,  which  caused 
much  trouble,  in  the  prisons  among  themselves,  and 
with  the  French  prisoners  ;  while  also  their  untiring 
efforts  to  escape  procured  for  them,  not  only  the  dis 
pleasure  of  the  British  officers,  but  also,  frequently, 
severe  punishment.  It  is  true  they  could  not  be 
blamed  for  making  the  strongest  efforts  to  regain  their 
freedom,  but  this  was  often  attempted  without  the 
least  shadow  of  success ;  consequently  these  attempts 
had  the  effect  of  riveting  the  chains  of  bondage  more 
securely,  and  it  became  next  to  impossible,  after  a  lapse 
of  two  or  three  months,  to  escape,  because  of  the 
redoubled  vigilance  of  the  guard.  The  amount  of  suf 
fering  endured  by  the  Americans  was  almost  incredible. 
Such  was  their  improvidence,  indolence,  and  other  bad 
habits  (for  many  of  these  men  were  picked  up  from  the 
most  wretched  haunts  of  misery  and  dissipation)  that 
when  cold  weather  set  in  (for  it  will  be  recollected  that 
the  whiter  of  1818  in  England  was  exceedingly  severe, 
insomuch  that  the  river  Thames  was  frozen  so  thick 
that  heavy  burdens  were  driven  over  it,)  they  present 
ed  a  most  melancholy  picture  of  poverty,  distress,  and 
want ;  for  they  had  neither  money  nor  clothing,  and  the 
prison  allowance  of  food  was  not  sufficient  to  subsist 
upon.  In  this  state  of  things  many  of  them  sickened, 
and  were  thrown  into  the  hospital,  where  they  ended 
their  bondage  and  suffering.  It  must  not  be  under- 


THE   AMERICAN    CRUISEK.  345 

stood,  however,  that  this  state  of  things  was  universal 
among  the  American  prisoners  ;  there  were  many  hon 
orable  exceptions,  and  many  who  would  have  been  re 
spected  in  any  society  or  community  ;  and  but  for  the 
example  and  influence  of  these,  the  condition  of  the 
remainder  would  have  been  infinitely  worse.  The 
length  of  the  captivity,  however,  in  some  measure  cured 
the  great  evil  consequent  upon  the  bad  habits  of  the 
Americans  ;  for  when  they  became  in  want  of  food  for 
their  subsistence,  and  found  they  could  not  obtain  it, 
then,  and  not  until  then,  they  went  to  work  at  some 
employment  or  business.  In  this  way,  without  any 
material  difference,  the  French  and  American  prisoners 
continued  to  pass  their  time  during  a  course  of  nine 
months,  at  the  expiration  of  which  hostilities  ceased 
between  France  and  England,  and  the  French  prisoners 
were  sent  home. 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 

THE  TRANSFER  TO  DARTMOOR  PRISON. 

AFTER  the  French  prisoners  had  all  been  released 
and  sent  to  France,  the  British  Government  not  being 
willing,  as  was  supposed,  to  keep  up  the  expense  of  this 
depot,  determined  to  concentrate  all  the  American  pri 
soners  that  were  in  England,  at  Dartmoor  ;  so  that  very 
shortly  after  the  release  of  the  Frenchmen,  orders  were 
issued  to  the  Americans  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness 
for  a  march  to  that  place  ;  this  intelligence  was  hailed 
with  much  delight  by  many  who  had  determined  to  es 
cape  at  the  risk  of  their  lives  ;  while  others  received  it 
not  so  pleasantly  as  might  hare  been  expected.  How 
ever,  they  were  aware  of  the  great  difference  between 
the  two"  locations  ;  at  Stapleton  every  facility  could  be 
had  for  comfort  so  far  as  could  be  expected  in  captivity, 
and  at  the  same  time  it  was  perhaps  the  most  healthy 
spot  in  England.  Now, 'on  the  other  hand,  Dartmoor 
was  exactly  opposite  in  every  particular  ;  nevertheless, 
a  change  seemed  to  afford  the  prisoners  some  satisfac 
tion,  although  they  were  confident  it  would  be  for  the 
worse. 

346 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  347 

The  time  now  arrived  when  the  first  draft  was  called 
out  to  take  up  the  line  of  march ;  and  the  escort  was  in 
all  respects,  in  point  of  strength  and  number,  the  same 
as  that  described  from  Stapleton,  with  the  same  number 
of  prisoners.  They  were  also  transferred  m  the  same 
order  —  the  draft  which  arrived  first  at  Stapleton  was 
the  first  sent  to  Dartmoor,  which  consequently' brought 
together  the  seamen  and  officers  of  the  Cruiser.  The 
march,  however,  was  materially  different  from  the  for 
mer,  for  the  commander  of  the  escort  was  a  full-blcc-ded 
Englishman  in  all  his  notions,  feelings,  and  prejudices  ; 
and  as  a  matter  of  course,  was  not  very  well  disposed 
towards  the  Yankees.  With  this  man  there  were  no 
distinctions,  for  the  officers  and  sailors  fared  equally 
alike  ;  the  milk  of  human  kindness  formed  no  part  of  his 
composition  ;  in  fact  every  thing  that  was  manly,  noble, 
generous,  and  humane,  were  wanting.  The  absence  of 
these,  however,  was  abundantly  supplied  by  the  oppo 
site  qualities,  which  were  exercised  upon  all  occasions. 
Of  course  this  march  was  attended  with  great  hardship 
and  suffering,  for  every  privilege  was  cut  off,  even  that 
of  purchasing  food,  and  the  allowance  was  not  at  all 
sufficient  to  sustain  men  on  a  fatiguing  march. 

On  the  third  day  the  whole  escort  was  thrown  into 
the  greatest  confusion,  from  the  circumstance  of 
three  prisoners  having  deserted  from  a  barn  where  they 
had  been  confined  the  previous  night ;  nothing  could  ex 
ceed  the  exasperation  of  the  Commander  on  this  occa 
sion.  A  strong  guard  of  soldiers  was  remanded  back 
to  the  town,  where  unfortunately  they  succeeded,  in 


848  THE   AMJ::UCAX   CKCJISER. 

taking  one  of  the  prisoners,  the  other  two  having  made 
their  escape.  After  this  an  increased  vigilance  was 
kept  up,  and  every  indignity  was  heaped  upon  the  pri 
soners  until  their  arrival  at  Dartmoor. 

The  thoughts  of  going  to  a  prison,  especially  such  an 
one  as  that  to  which  they  were  now  destined,  could  not 
be  agreeable  under  any  circumstances,  yet  such  were  the 
sufferings  and  misery  which  this  draft  had  to  endure, 
under  their  inhuman  and  despotic  leaders,  that  even 
Dartmoor,  with  all  its  horrors,  was  preferable  to  the  en 
durance  of  such  treatment ;  and  it  was  with  no  little  joy 
and  satisfaction  that  these  wretched  beings  came  in 
sight  of  this  depot. 

It  was  early  in  the  afternoon,  on  the  eighth  day, 
when  the  massive  bolts,  bars,  and  locks  of  the 
neavy  iron  gates  were  thrown  open  by  the  turnkeys,  and 
the  prisoners  in  single  file  entered,  and  the  ponderous 
door  of  bars  and  rivets  was  slammed  in  their  rear  with 
a  hollow  sepulchral  sound,  that  was  only  equalled  in 
dolefulness  by  the  harsh  grating  of  the  keys  and  the 
snapping  of  the  bolts  as  they  shot  into  their  deep  sunken 
sockets  in  the  granite  jams. 

As  soon  as  the  prisoners  had  entered  the  first  gate, 
the  clerk  was  in  readiness,  and  proceeded  to  record  the 
names,  ages,  height,  complexion,  trades  or  employments, 
and  birth  places,  which  were  noted  down  opposite  to  their 
names.  After  each  had  thus  been  registered,  a  ham 
mock-bed  and  blanket  were  given  to  them,  to  be  re 
turned  when  released. 

The  prisoners  now  took  up  their  line  of  march  for 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  349 

their  several  locations  in  the  prisons  ;  but  on  their  en 
trance  to  the  prison  yard,  they  came  to  a  sudden  halt, 
being  struck  with  amazement  and  wonder  at  what  they 
now  saw  and  heard.  Here  was  a  group  of  human  be 
ings,  fantastically  dressed,  and  at  a  short  distance  was 
another  engaged  in  every  species  of  gambling,  while 
another  party,  more  numerous  than  the  rest,  were  amus 
ing  themselves  in  the  polite  accomplishment  of  pugil 
ism  ;  in  short,  they  were  all  so  much  engaged,  that  they 
took  but  little  notice  of  the  strangers  who  had  just  en 
tered,  and  who  were  destined  to  become  members  of 
this  respectable  community. 

The  prisoners  moved  on  toward  one  of  these  respect 
able  habitations,  and  upon  entering  the  first  floor  they 
stood  at  the  upper  end  of  the  building,  which  was  all 
thrown  into  one  apartment  of  not  less  than  two  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  in  length  by  sixty  in  breadth,  each  part 
thickly  peopled  with  human  beings  of  every  possible 
shape,  dress  and  occupation.  Some  were  cooking, 
some  were  reading,  some  were  walking,  dancing,  'sing 
ing,  fiddling,  and  fifing ;  but  more  were  gambling,  or 
clustering  around  tables  on  which  were  piled  heaps  of 
all  colors  and  value.  There  they  stood,  and  knew  not 
which  way  to  go,  as  all  places  seemed  alike  occupied  and 
even  closely  jammed,-5— no  one  portion  of  the  room  offer 
ing  space  for  the  stowage  of  their  bodies  or  bedding. 
But  they  were  soon  relieved  from  this  awkward  dilemma, 
for  information  was  received  from  one  of  the  older  inha 
bitants  that  there  was  plenty  of  spare  room  in  number 
seven  prison.  Upon  receiving  this  welcome  intelligence, 
30 


350  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

they  quickly  transferred  themselves  and  dunnage  to 
their  new  residence,  and  found  no  difficulty  in  obtaining 
berths,  for  more  than  one  half  of  this  building  was  yet 
unoccupied. 

In  contemplating  the  miseries  of  war,  and  especially 
the  sufferings  and  privations  of  those  who  are  brought 
under  captivity,  one  would  naturally  expect  to  see  noth 
ing  but  misery  and  wo  from  the  time  of  entering  the 
prison  till  liberated  therefrom.  It  might  be  fairly  in 
ferred,  then,  by  those  who  are  unacquainted,  that  hun 
ger  and  crime  stalked  uncontrolled,  that  the  weak  were 
at  the  mercy  of  the  strong,  or  that  nought  was  here  but 
weeping,  wailing,  and  gnashing  of  teeth.  None,  or  but 
few,  appeared  cast  down ;  and  while  one  seemed  to 
strive  how  he  could  show  more  mirth  than  those  around 
him  who  were  listening  to  his  nonsense,  another  was  at 
his  books,  music,  mending  his  garments,  or  making  a 
party  of  cards,  draughts,  or  other  games  of  amuse 
ment  ;  a  third  was  at  his  stall  with  his  scanty  stock  of 
goods,  busily  waiting  on  his  customers.  At  eight 
o'clock  the  next  morning,  after  the  entrance  of  the 
draft,  the  prisoners  were  notified  to  be  in  readiness  to 
count  out  in  messes.  As  each  number  of  six  were 
allowed  their  choice  of  companions,  they  then  passed 
out  by  a  door  left  open  for  the  purpose,  and  to  every 
sixth  man  was  given  a  numbered  ticket,  indicative  of 
the  number  of  his  mess.  Of  course  each  party  of  six 
were  in  close  connection,  and  before  being  counted  out, 
had  formed  the  association.  There  were  many  who 
would  not  become  members  of  any  mess  voluntarily,  on 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  351 

account  of  their  ill-conduct  and  rowdyism ;  and  when 
all  others  had  passed  out,  it  mattered  little  to  them 
who  were  their  companions  ;  they  went  out  indiscrimi 
nately  till  the  whole  were  ticketed.  These  latter  were 
denominated  "  Rough  Allies."  If  any  through  careless 
ness,  contrariness,  or  any  other  cause,  remained  inside 
till  the  "  messing  out "  was  finished,  he  received  no 
rations,  only  as  a  pauper,  or  by  a  friend  sharing  with 
him  till  the  next  counting  out,  which  was  as  often  as 
any  new  prisoner  came  in,  or  any  number  went  to, 
or  returned  from  the  hospital.  The  oftener  the  "  mess 
ing  out"  was  orde&d,  the  greater  harmony  there  was 
with  the  whole ;  for  whoever  became  unruly,  filthy  in 
person,  or  any  wise  obnoxious,  was  thrust  out,  and 
could  mess  with  none  others  but  his  like — the  "  Rough 
Allies." 

Directly  after  the  whole  had  received  their  tickets, 
the  cook's  horn  gave  notice  that  the  bread  was  in  rea 
diness  to  be  served  out ;  when  the  one  from  each  mess 
who  received  the  ticket  at  the  door,  being  dubbed  cook 
for  the  day,  proceeded  to  the  cook  house,  and  there 
waited  till  his  number  was  called.  The  calling  began  at 
the  low  numbers,  and  proceeded  in  regular  rotation  to 
the  highest ;  the  cook  received  the  ticket  as  he  deli 
vered  the  bread  to  the  holder,  strung  it  upon  a  wire, 
and  so  on  in  succession  until  all  were  gone  through. 
At  the  next  serving  out  of  either  bread  or  soup,  the 
cook  of  the  mess  received  his  ticket,  together  with  the 
provisions  for  the  day,  the  numbers  being  now  called 
from  the  highest  to  the  lowest.  Each  member  of  the 


352  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

different  messes  took  his  regular  day  as  its  cook,  as 
often  as  it  fell  to  his  turn. 

The  condition  of  the  American  prisoners  in  Dart 
moor,  at  the  time  of  which  we  now  write,  was  in  many 
respects  truly  deplorable  ;  a  large  majority  of  them  had 
been  gathered  from  the  vilest  haunts  of  dissipation  and 
vice,  from  perhaps  all  the  seaports  in  the  United  States. 
They  were  uneducated,  and  their  habits  of  the  worst 
character  ;  they  had  no  just  or  proper  conception  of  the 
rights  of  their  fellow  men,  and  their  actions  were  in  ac 
cordance  with  these  views ;  and  they  vainly  supposed, 
because  forsooth  they  were  on  an  equality  as  prisoners 
of  war,  that  this  state  of  things  should  be  carried  out  in 
every  particular.  Improvident  and  idle,  without  any 
resources  in  themselves,  they  had  constant  recourse  to 
the  gaming  table,  for  the  two-fold  purpose  of  gain 
and  whiling  away  the  time.  They  were,  however, 
sadly  mistaken  in  the  former  ;  for  their  passion  for  this 
execrable  vice  became  so  strong  that  they  lost  all  their 
means,  clothing,  &c.,  and  many  of  them  were  classed 
under  the  genteel  appellation  of  "  Rough  Allies,"  and 
were  reduced  to  the  lowest  state  of  degradation  and 
want.  Indeed,  it  was  a  melancholy  sight,  to  behold 
these  men  gathering  from  the  piles  of  offal  and  dirt,  cab 
bage  stumps,  potato  and  turnip  skins,  which  they  de 
voured  with  the  greediness  of  a  vulture,  to  satisfy  their 
craving  appetites,  and  to  prevent  starvation ;  for  it  will  be 
remembered  that  up  to  this  time  the  American  Govern 
ment  had  made  no  provision  for  the  American  prisoners 
in  England  ;  and  the  food  allowed  by  the  British  Gov- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  353 

eminent  was  not  sufficient  for  the  subsistence  of  men 
in  health.  The  result  was,  therefore,  that  many  of 
them  either  starved  to  death  or  died  by  gorging  them 
selves  with  unwholesome  food.  But  the  worst  con 
sequences  resulting  to  the  better  class  of  the  prisoners 
were  these :  a  large  body  of  these  miserable  men 
usually  banded  together,  and  if  they  had  a  pique 
against  any  of  the  more  orderly,  it  was  their  custom  to 
drag  them  up  to  the  whipping  post  and  scourge  their 
backs  most  unmercifully;  this  was  invariably  done  to 
all  such  officers  as  had  been  good  disciplinarians  on 
board  their  vessels.  This  course  of  proceeding  at 
length  became  so  outrageous  and  intolerable,  that  the 
captain  of  the  depot  had  frequently  to  send  in  a  guard 
of  soldiers  and  rescue  the  unfortunate  victims  of  their 
vengeance  from  their  brutality  and  oppression.  It  was 
forttuiate,  however,  that  this  state  of  things  was  soon 
effectually  stopped,  for  about  this  time  six  drafts  of 
American  seamen,  who  had  given  themselves  up  from 
British  men-of-war,  were  transferred  from  Chatham  to 
this  depot.  These  were  a  fine  set  of  orderly,  well- 
behaved  men,  and  would  have  been  a  credit  to  any 
nation.  After  they  arrived,  the  more  respectable  por 
tion  of  the  prisoners,  and  these,  united  together  and  in 
stituted  many  wholesome  regulations,  which  not  only 
checked  these  outrages,  but  also  established  law  and 
order  throughout  the  community  within  the  walls  of  the 
prison. 

30* 


CHAPTER    XXXT. 


DESCRIPTION  OP  DARTMOOR  PRISON. 

IN  attempting  to  give  a  description  of  this  depot,  I 
have  been  mainly  guided,  not  only  by  my  own  recollec 
tion  (which  may  be  fallacious)  but  also  from  what  I 
have  gleaned  from  a  work  which  I  conceive  to  be  near 
the  truth,  and  more  correct  than  either  my  own  views 
or  numerous  other  descriptions  which  have  come  under 
my  notice.  In  regard  to  myself,  I  had  no  other  oppor 
tunity  of  ascertaining  distances  but  by  stepping  off,  nor 
any  other  mode  of  fixing  heights  or  measurements  ex 
cept  by  comparison.  All  summings  up  from  such 
sources  and  materials,  must  unavoidably  be  defective. 
Yet  I  trust  the  following  is  not  so  far  from  correct  as 
not  to  answer  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  intended,  and 
probably  as  near  the  truth  as  the  generality  of  topogra 
phical  descriptions  that  are  set  down  as  accurately 
drawn.  Dartmoor,  when  applied  to  the  prisons,  is 
erroneous,  for  it  is  the  name  of  the  district  in  which 
the  prisons  are  situated.  "  The  Heaths  of  Dartmoor" 
are  the  plains  that  surround  the  buildings  of  the  depot 
to  a  great  distance.  As  well  might  one  in  writing  of 
the  Capitol  at  Washington,  call  it  Washington,  or  the 
354 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  355 

District  of  Columbia,  and  be  no  further  incorrect  than 
when  calling  these  prisons  Dartmoor. 

A  traveller  may  visit  Dartmoor,  and  yet  not  go  with 
in  ten  or  twelve  miles  of  the  depot  where  the  Americans 
were  confined  during  the  latter  part  of  the  last  war. 
All  letters  which  came  to  the  prisoners,  were  directed 
to  the  depot  at  "  Dartmoor,"  as  were  the  numerous 
blanks  at  the  clerks'  and  doctors'  offices,  headed  in  the 
same  manner.  .  The  wagons,  carts,  and  other  property 
belonging  to  this  station,  were  branded  as  above.  None 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  surrounding  district  spoke  of* 
the  prisons  except  as  "  the  Depot." 

The  view  from  the  prisons  was  uninterrupted  in  every 
direction  except  the  south ;  here  it  was  broken  by  a 
high  hill,  from  which,  it  was  said,  the  numerous  streams 
of  water  took  their  rise,  which  supplied  the  depot  so 
plentifully  at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  This  water,  which 
was  soft  and  agreeable  to  the  taste,  had  a  slight  reddish , 
tinge,  caused  by  having  passed  through  veins  of  copper 
ore  imbedded  near  its  source,  and  had  the  reputation  of 
being  insalubrious  to  th'ose  unaccustomed  to  its  use  ; 
but  afterwards  none  complained  of  its  baneful  effects. 
There  is  one  account  which  says,  "  the  water  is  brought 
from  a  great  distance  and  at  great  expense,  to  the  De 
pot,"  but  does  not  say  from  whence  it  was  brought,  but 
evidently  it  is  meant  from  beyond  this  hill,  as  it 
lies  but  a  short  way  off,  and  the  ground  is  at  a  gen 
tle  declivity  and  favorably  situated  to  convey  water  at 
but  little  expense,  the  whole  distance  to  the  depot. 

All  the  buildings  of  the  depot,  prisons,  barracks,  hos- 


356  THE    AMERICAN    CRtJlSER. 

pital,  store  houses,  dwellings,  and  out-houses,  were  alike 
surrounded  by  two  circular  walls,  one  within  the  other, 
of  stone  masonry,  of  from  -fifteen  to  eighteen  feet  in 
height.  These  were  distant  from  each  other  about 
twenty-five  feet,  and  the  space  between  the  two  was 
used  as  a  military  walk,  and  likewise  served  as  a  place 
from  which  the  prisoners  could  be  watched  without 
seeing  who  were  their  observers.  Inside  the  wall  was 
an  iron  picket  carried  around  the  circle,  which  stood 
^about  thirty  feet  apart  from  the  wall.  The  space 
between  the  two  was  well  sodded,  and  as  the  spring 
advanced,  a  luxuriant  covering  of  green  sprung  up, 
which  added  much  life  to  the  scene,  and  threw  a  cheer 
ing  aspect  on  the  surrounding  sombreness,  besides  form 
ing  a  lively  contrast  to  the  monotonous,  dull,  and  heavy 
appearance  of  the  stone  buildings.  The  outer  wall 
measured  a  full  mile  in  its  circular  stretch  around  the 
enclosure.  This  circle  was  cut  by  a  cross  wall  of  the 
same  height  and  material  as  the  two  outside  ones, 
which  gave  one  half  of  the  sjoace  for  the  use  of  the 
prison  buildings,  while  the  other  half  was  occupied  by 
the  barracks,  hospital,  store  houses,  and  dwellings  for 
the  keepers ;  all,  however,  surrounded  by  the  same 
strong  barriers  as  were  those  which  the  Americans 
occupied  ;  and  when  the  gates  were  closed  the  whole 
population  within  the  walls  were  alike  prisoners,  or  ra 
ther  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  prevent  the  captives 
from  escaping  would  find  it  as  difficult  to  gain  their 
liberty,  if  the  attempt  was  made,  without  the  consent 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  867 

of  him  who  had  charge  of  the  main  gate,  as  would 
the  prisoners. 

The  prisons  were  seven  in  all,  diverging  from  a 
common  centre,  known  by  the  numbers  beginning  at 
the  left,  from  the  entrance  at  the  main  gate,  with 
No.  1,  and  ending  at  the  right  with  No.  7,  the  two 
extremities  being  parallel  with  the  cross  wall,  and  the 
whole  radiating  like  the  spokes  from,  the  hub  of  a 
wheel,  their  extremities  forming  a  half  circle.  The 
centre  of  the  seven,  No.  4,  was  walled  off  from  the 
others,  thus  making  in  all  three  yards  distinct  from 
each  other,  known  as  yard  No.  1,  containing  prisons 
No.  1,  2,  and  3  ;  yard  No.  4,  by  itself,  containing  pri 
son  No.  4  ;  and  yard  No.  7,  containing  Nos.  5,  6,  and 
7.  The  communication  was  kept  up  between  these 
yards,  by  a  passage  at  the  centre  of  the  circle,  of 
thirty  feet  in  width  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  length, 
covered,  and  the  top  made  use  of  as  a  military  walk ; 
from  which  the  movements  of  those  within  the  enclo 
sure  could  be  seen,  not  only  the  prisoners,  but  all 
who  were  inside  the  circular  wall,  whether  in  the 
hospital  yard,  that  occupied  by  the  barracks,  store 
houses,  or  market,  the  whole  could  be  seen  at  a  single 
turn  from  this  platform. 

In  the  front  of  this  platform  was  the  market  square, 
which  was  separated  from  the  broad  passage  beneath  it 
by  a  tremendous  strong  wrought  iron  railing,  of  about 
twelve  feet  in  height,  supported  at  proper  distances 
from  each  other  by  granite  posts  of  more  than  two  feet 
square,  firmly  planted  in  the  ground. 


358  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

The  communication  from  yard  to  yard  and  from 
prison  to  prison,  was  free  and  uninterrupted  during  the 
day ;  but  at  sunset,  the  prisoners  were  notified  by  the. 
blowing  of  the  turnkey's  horn  from  the  top  of  the  mili 
tary  walk,  that  they  must  withdraw  from  the  yards,  and 
retire  to  their  respective  numbers,  therein  to  remain  till 
sunrise  the  following  morning,  when  the  doors  were 
again  thrown  open,  as  were  the  different  gates  which 
"had  been  closed  during  the  night,  for  the  inmates  to 
range  the  yards  or  buildings  to  their  liking.  The  yards 
were  well  paved,  lighted  at  night,  swept  and  scraped  as 
often  as  was  necessary  for  either  health  or  appearance  ; 
and  they  were  likewise  well  supplied  with  water,  by 
each  having  two  handsomely  stoned  canals,  of  about 
three  feet  in  width,  and  the  same  in  depth,  carried 
through  them,  both  running  with  a  never  failing  supply, 
the  one  carrying  off  the  filth  of  the  sewers,  by  its  rapid 
current,  while  the  other  served  for  washing  and  culinary. 
This  latter  emptied  into  a  stone  basin  of  twentyby  forty 
feet,  of  an  elliptic  form,  which  could  be  filled  at  any 
time,  and  was  of  sufficient  depth  for  bathing.  The 
prison  buildings  varied  in  nothing  except  their  size ; 
Nos.  1,  4,  and  7,  were  the  largest ;  Nos.  3  and  5,  the 
next  in  size,  and  Nos.  2  and  6,  (unoccupied,)  the 
smallest.  The  walls  were  built  of  irregular  shaped,  un- 
hammered  stone,  and  were  more  than  two  feet  in  thick 
ness  ;  the  buildings  were  two  stories  in  height,  with  a 
cock-loft  or  attic.  No.  5  was  above  two  hundred  and 
fifty  or  sixty  feet  in  length,  by  sixty  or  sixty-five  in 
breadth.  Each  story  was  without  any  partitions,  but 


THE    AMERICAN    CKUISER.  359 

had  two  alleys,  twelve  feet  in  width,  running  the  whole 
length,  with  upright  stanchions,  eighteen  or  twenty 
inches  apart,  to  separate  them  from  the  berth  places  of 
the  men.  The  floors  were  paved  throughout  with  com 
mon  flag,  or  rubble  stone.  Each  building  was  well  ven 
tilated  by  windows,  heavily  grated  with  iron  bars. 

The  communication  from  story  to  story  was  by  a 
double  flight  of  broad  stairs  of  hewn  stone,  at  both  ends 
of  each  apartment.  There  were  no  chimneys  in  any  of 
the  prisons,  nor  fires,  except  for  private  use  ;  and  these 
belonged  to  those  who  could  afford  a  small  stove,  run 
ning  the  pipe  out  of  the  many  windows  in  the  side 
walls.  The  owners  of  these  stoves  carried  on  some 
business  which  required  the  use  of  fire  ;  and  they  were 
much  more  numerous  than  agreeable  to  those  who  dis 
liked  the  gas  arising  from  burning  the  bituminous  coal 
necessary  to  keep  them  in  operation.  Each  prison  had 
its  own  cook-house,  of  the  same  material  that  the  build 
ings  were  built  of,  and  joined  the  end  pointing  to  the 
common  centre  of  the  circle  in  which  they  stood. 

The  Heaths  of  Dartmoor  are  situated  at  a  consider 
able  elevation,  but  at  what  height,  is  not  known  ;  how 
ever,  the  great  height  in  which  the  district  is  elevated, 
is  alone  the  cause  of  the  almost  uninterrupted  continu 
ance  of  those  dense  and  heavy  fogs,  with  which  it  is 
enveloped  from  November  till  May.  To  the  same  reason 
must  be  attributed  the  coldness  of  the  atmosphere  ;  for 
in  the  summer  months  when  the  sun  is  at  its  altitude, 
its  warming  rays  are  infinitely  more  to  be  desired  than 
its  shade.  These  heaths,  which  surround  the  depot  to 


360  THE  AMERICAN   CRUISER. 

a  great  distance,  are  barren,  cheerless,  and  dreary  to 
behold,  even  during  the  most  luxuriant  portion  of  the 
year ;  but  when  all  was  blasted  with  hoar  frost,  and 
deadened  by  the  stern  hand  of  winter,  they  were  doubly 
drear.  For  days,  even  in  summer,  nothing  could  be 
seen,  except  occasionally  a  single  horseman  threading 
one  of  the  crooked  by-paths  of  the  plains,  or  a  flock  of 
sheep  vainly  endeavoring  to  nip  a  scanty  meal  from  the 
surface  of  a  barren  soil  that  grew  nothing  except  a 
coarser  bramble  than  they  could  relish.  For  full  half 
.  around  the  horizon,  there  was  not  an  object  for  the  eye 
to  rest  upon  as  a  landmark  —  not  a  fence,  a  stream,  a 
hillock,  nor  a  tree  was  between  the  observer  and  the 
distant  blue  risings  which  ended  his  view. 

By  the  small  irregular  mounds  and  ridges  of  raised 
earth,  that  were  here  and  there  discovered  scattered 
over  the  plains,  with  evident  signs  of  great  antiquity,  it 
is  thought  that  battles  must  have  been  fought  on  these 
heaths  in  ancient  times.  And  so  fully  were  the  coun 
try  people's  minds  convinced  that  the  departed  dead 
were  yet  restless,  that  it  was  difficult  for  those  rustics 
to  bring  their  minds  to  pass  this  extensive  waste"  after 
night-fall.  Half  a  mile  to  the  east  was  the  little  village 
of  Princeton,  composed  of  ten  or  fifteen  buildings,  with 
a  stone  Gothic  church  standing  midway  between  the 
town  and  the  prisons.  This  building  was  put  up  by  the 
French  during  the  time  of  their  captivity,  who  after 
working  through  the  day,  returned  at  dusk  to  pass  the 
night  within  the  walls. 

A  little  to  the  left  of  this  village  was  a  small  winding 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  861 

stream,  over  which  was  a  stone  bridge,  where  the  road 
crossed  that  led  to  the  interior.  These  were  the  only 
objects  the  eye  could  rest  upon,  when  turned  from  with 
in  the  prison  enclosure,  if  we  except  the  smooth  surface 
of  rising  ground,  a  short  distance  to  the  left  of  Prince 
ton,  which  was  used  as  the  parade  ground  for  the  troops 
that  were  doing  duty  at  the  depot.  It  was  not  un- 
frequent  for  a  couple  of  regiments  to  close  their  two 
hours'  drill  with  a  sham  fight ;  when  as  many  of  the 
prisoners  as  could  clamber  to  the  roofs  of  the  buildings, 
enjoyed  a  fair  sight  of  this  harmless  but  highly  pic 
turesque  battle,  often  raging  fiercely  between  the  red- 
coated  soldiery,  whose  gaudily  bedizened  trappings 
glittered  in  the  sun's  rays,  as  seen  when  half  en 
veloped  in  the  smoke  of  the  battalion  fire. 

These  prisons  were  a  complete  epitome  of  an  over 
crowded  city.  Here  were  trades  and  occupations  of 
every  kind  carried  on  —  a  mixed  population,  made  up 
from  all  nations  of  the  earth  —  and  every  grade  of 
society  as  distinctly  marked,  as  in  towns  and 
cities.  Finally,  though  it  may  be  considered  unchari 
table,  we  do  not  hesitate  to  say,  that  the  British  govern 
ment  selected  out  this  spot  for  its  dreariness,  desolation, 
and  insalubrity  of  climate,  on  which  to  erect  a  depot  for 
prisoners  of  war,  as  a  civilized  and  legal  method  of 
putting  them  out  of  the  way ;  for  I  believe  it  is  reduced 
to  a  certainty,  that  there  is  not  another  location  on  the 
Island  of  Great  Britain,  that  can  equal  this  in  regard 
to  the  qualities  we  have  named. 
31 


CHAPTER    XXXVI. 

NEWS  OF  THE   PEACE  —  CON VERSATION    BETWEEN   THE 
BO  ATS  WAIN  AND  YOUNG   SEAMEN. 

PERHAPS  if  the  -whole  mass  of  American  prisoners 
had  been  examined  by  impartial  judges,  they  would 
have  decided,  that  for  correct  general  deportment,  and 
manly  excellence,  there  were  none  that  surpassed  the 
boatswain  and  young  seaman,  of  the  Cruiser.  As  they 
were  inseparable  friends  on  the  cruise,  so  they  remained 
since  their  capture,  and  during  their  long  captivity.  In 
the  long  and  fatiguing  marches,  side  by  side,  they  were 
never  seen  to  quail  or  falter.  The  iron  frame  of  the 
boatswain  seemed  to  defy  the  excessive  labor  of  the 
march  ;  while  the  youth  and  vigor  of  the  young  seaman, 
stimulated  by  the  example  of  his  friend  and  messmate, 
was  never  seen  to  hang  on  the  trail  of  the  escort.  They 
were  both  among  that  number  that  passed  their  word  to 
the  generous  British,  that  they  would  not  attempt  to 
escape;  nor  did  they,  for  they  were  among  the  unfor 
tunate  men  that  suffered  a  long  and  dreary  bondage  ; 
and  yet,  the'  gloom  of  many  of  these  lonely  hours,  was 
mitigated  by  the  mutual  efforts  of  each,  according  to 
their  peculiar  ability  and  tact.  They  messed  together, 
362 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  363 

and  swung  their  hammocks  side  by  side  ;  they  labored 
and  united  their  scanty  earnings,  for  the  mutual  com 
fort  and  subsistence  of  each  other  ;  and  when  the  dark 
hours  of  melancholy  associations  would  sometimes  cast  a 
deep  shade  of  sorrow  over  the  manly  brow  of  the  young 
seaman,  the  boatswain  would  recount  some  touching 
incident  of  his  own  thrilling  history,  which  would  in 
variably  dissipate  the  cloud,  by  the  interest  he  felt,  in 
all  that  concerned  his  friend ;  and  although,  from  the 
peculiar  temperament  of  the  boatswain,  it  would  peem 
that  no  misfortune  or  distress  could  shake  his  iron 
nerves,  yet  from  this  long  and  dreary  captivity,  an  at 
tentive  observer  might  trace  the  lines  of  despondency 
on  his  face-,  in  spite  of  all  his  efforts  to  the  contrary. 

It  was  in  the  month  of  March,  the  season  of  the 
year,  of  all  others  the  most  gloomy  in  this  district ;  the 
barren  heath,  as  well  as  the  spot  on  which  the  prisons 
stood,  was  shrouded  in  an  almost  impenetrable  mist ; 
the  falling  rain  splashed  heavily  on  the  tops  of  the 
prisons,  and  prison-yard,  and  the  wild  wind  blew  in 
fitful  gusts,  with  a  sound  so  melancholy,  that  it 
seemed  to  be  the  harbinger  of  some  dreadful  intelli 
gence.  The  atmosphere  was  dense  and  cold,  and  the 
prisoners  sought  shelter  within  the  walls  of  their  habita 
tions,  from  the  ruthless  storm.  Now  and  then  a  loud 
poal  of  thunder  would  seem  to  shake  the  massive  walls 
of  the  prison,  while  ever  and  anon,  a  livid  flash  of 
lightning  shot  through  the  iron  grates  of  the  windows, 
which  for  a  moment  made  the  stoutest  hearts  to  quail ; 
the  pelting  storm  raged  for  an  hour,  with  unabating  vio- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 


lence,  and  when  it  ceased  its  fury,  there  might  have 
been  seen  here  and  tEere  a  countenance  lighted  up  with 
a  smile,  yet  the  majority  of  them,  seemed  to  partake 
of  the  gloom  that  now  covered  this  dreary  moor.  After 
the  storm  had  abated,  and  the  minds  of  the  prisoners 
had  become  somewhat  tranquillized,  there  might  have 
been  seen  two  men,  sitting  composedly  in  one  of  the 
mess  berths,  deeply  interested  in  a  book,  which  the 
younger  of  the  two  was  reading  aloud,  to  his  most 
attentive  listener ;  they  were  so  much  absorbed,  that 
for  some  moments  they  took  no  notice  of  the  loud  and 
extravagant  expressions  of  joy,  which  rang  throughout 
the  prisons,  and  all  over  the  prison-yard  ;  nor  were  they 
entirely  aroused  until  a  loud  peal  resounded  through  the 
air  like  rolling  thunder,  in  three  cheers,  from  more  than 
three  thousand  human  beings,  immediately  after  which 
one  of  the  piisoners  entered  with  a  newspaper,  and  read 
with  stentorian  lungs,  the  overwhelming  and  joyful  in 
telligence,  that,  "  Peace  was  proclaimed  between  Am 
erica  and  England."  Nothing  could  now  exceed  the. 
manifestations  of  joy  and  transport,  exhibited  among  the 
prisoners  ;  it  is  in  vain  to  attempt  an  expression  of  the 
deep  and  powerful  feelings  of  men,  some  of  whom 
had  been  incarcerated  in  a  British  prison  for  more  than 
two  years,  the  greater  part  of  them  for  at  least  one 
year.  Some  danced,  while  others  sung ;  many  of  them 
broke  out  into  extravagant  bursts  of  laughter,  while 
others  actually  wept  for  joy  ;  and  there  were  not  a  few, 
that  night,  that  drained  the  intoxicating  bowl  of  its  very 
dregs. 


THE     AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

"  How  is  it  lad,"  observed  the  boatswain  to  the 
.young  seaman,  "  that  you  don't  seem  to  be  much  re 
joiced  at  the  news  of  the  peace,  and  what's  better,  the 
prospect  of  your  liberty  ;  why  I  'd  just  rather  bang  salt 
water  all  my  days  on  board  of  a  line  of  battle  ship,  and 
mess  on  salt  grub  and  pea  soup,  than  to  be  couped  up 
in  such  a  place  as  this,  where  the  curse  of  God  seems 
to  be  on  the  very  ground,  for  d'  ye  see  nature  won't  do 
any  of  her  work  here ;  and  besides,  to  be  shut  out  like 
heathens  from  the  sight  of  any  Christian  woman,  and 
never  hear  the  sound  of  a  chaplain's  voice  to  say  a 
prayer  for  the  good  of  a  chap's  soul,  though  for  the 
matter  of  that  we  Ve  prayers  enough  here,  but  they  are 
not  to  my  liking ;  no,  no,  lad,  I  do  n't  relish  this  com 
pany,  and  if  I  once  get  clear  of  them,  as  I  hope  to  be 
forgiven  they  '11  never  catch  me  again." 

"  I  appreciate  my  liberty,"  replied  the  young  sea 
man,  as  much  as  you  can  do,  and  I  hope  much  more 
rationally  than  those  who  give  such  wild  proofs  of 
their  feelings,  but  as  I  have  often  told  you,  past 
occurrences  in  my  history  have  taught  me  to  control 
my  feelings." 

"  Well,  well,"  replied  the  boatswain,  "  I  believe  you 
are  half  right,  and  now  that  it  is  peace,  these  chaps 
here  are  beginning  to  kick  up  a  row,  and  I  '11  miss  my 
reck'ning,  if  some  of  them  do  n't  lose  the  number  of 
their  mess  yet ;  but  come,  messmate,  as  there 's  some 
little  prospect  of  getting  out  of  this,  before  a  great 
while,  how  do  you  mean  to  shape  your  course  ?" 

"  We  have  been  together  three  years,"  replied  the 
31* 


366  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

young  seaman,  "  and  I  have  had  no  reason  thus  far  to. 
wish  for  a  separation." 

"That's  just  my  own  mind,"  observed  the  other, 
"  but  then,  d' ye  see,  I've  got  no  laming,  and  in  my 
way  of  thinking,  I  shall  never  get  higher  than  serving 
out  the  blocks,  and  spunyarn,  and  wind  a  call ;  but 
then,  lad,  you  're  cut  out  for  something  higher,  and  as  I 
was  overhauling  my  thinking  tacks  the  other  day,  says 
I  to  myself,  it 's  a  pity  such  a  tight  chap  should  be 
boxing  about  the  main-deck  and  forecastle  all  his  days, 
when  he  can  handle  a  ship,  aye,  and  handle  a  trumpet 
toe,  as  well  as  the  best  on  'em;  and  then  thinks  I  that 
you  'd  do  credit  to  the  regular  sarvice.  Aye,  aye,  lad, 
God  knows  it  would  go  hard  with  me  to  part  with  you, 
yet  this  must  be  done  some  time  or  other,  and  Tom  is 
not  the  lad  to  heave  a  straw  in  the  way  of  his  mess 
mate." 

"  I  have  been  thinking  myself,"  replied  the  young 
seaman,  "  that  the  regular  service  will  be  the  best  field 
for  us  both,  for  there  it  is  likely  we  may  continue  to  be 
shipmates,  if  not  messmates ;  but  in  regard  to  that,  as 
I  am  now  solitary  and  alone  in  the  world,  I  have  de 
termined  to  devote  the  remainder  of  my  days  to  the 
service  of  my  country." 

"  Come,  come,"  said  the  boatswain,  "  do  n't  get  on 
that  tack,  for  the  Lord  knows  you've  had  mishaps 
enough,  and  if  you  rake  'em  up  again,  why  I  shall 
begin  to  think  about  holding  on  to  you,  but  that  won't 
do  ;  so  cheer  up,  and  when  we  must  part,  if  head  winds 
and  foul  weather  cross  your  hawse,  why  then  your  old 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  867 

messmate  is  not  the  chap  to  desert  his  friends,  or  fill 
away  his  maintopsail  in  the  hour  of  distress,  for  d'  ye 
see,  I've  got  a  few  shiners  laid  up  in  the  Savings,  and 
if  we  get  bamboozled  out  of  our  prize-money,  which  by 
the  way  is  not  unlikely,  why  then,  lad,  we  '11  just  share 
it  together." 

The  young  seaman  was  nearly  overwhelmed  with  this 
additional  expression  of  friendship,  which  unsettled  his 
resolution  to  separate  from  his  friend,  and  grasping  the 
hand  of  the  boatswain,  he  replied : 

"  "We  must  not  separate  ;  the  deep  wounds  that 
sorrow  and  affliction  haVe  made  upon  my  mind  are  be 
ginning  to  heal,  and  it  is  owing  to  the  balm  of  friend 
ship  which  you  have  from  time  to  time  administered ; 
separate  us  then,  and  they  will  bleed  afresh.  No! 
long  did  I  seek  for  one,  in  whom  I  could  repose ; 
in  you .  I  have  found  such  a  one,  and  have  tested  the 
worth  and  value  of  your  friendship.  What  then  would 
this  world  be  to  me  apart  from  that  boon  which  you 
have  bestowed.  Yes,  I  should  be  a  solitary  wanderer 
upon  the  sea  of  life  ;  cheerless  and  comfortless  indeed 
•would  be  its  last  hours,  were  it  not  for  the  consoling 
reflection,  that  when  death  shall  wind  up  the  history  of 
my  woes,  I  have  at  least  one  friend,  who  will  drop  a. 
tear  to  the  memory  of  him  whose  path  in  life  was 
strewed  with  sorrow," 

"  Come,  come,"  said  the  boatswain,  "  the  more  we 
chat  about  these  things,  the  farther  off  we  get  about 
parting,  and  it 's  better  to  cut  off  this  yarn,  for  I  just 
feel  as  if  my  head  pumps  were  going  to  work ;  now,  in 


368  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

my  way  of  thinking,  if  we  are  to  stick  together,  why 
then  d'  ye  see  there's  one  aloft  that  knows  all  about  it 
better  than  we  do,  and  I  say  if  we  do  sail  together, 
lie  '11  make  the  way  for  it." 

"  That  is  the  very  best  conclusion,"  observed  the 
young  seaman,  "  and  here  we  will  let  it  rest." 

The  conversation  now  assumed  a  different  turn. 

"I  don't  understand  how  it  is,"  observed  the  boat- 
swam,  "  that  we  are  kept  in  prison  here  on  short  allow 
ance,  and  under  the  domineering  sway  of  that  broken 
down  post-captain,  Shortland.  I  '11  miss  my  reck'ning, 
if  that  chap  has  n't  been  genteelly  banished  from  the 
sarvice  for  his  tyranny  ;  aye,  aye.  he 's  just  such  a  chap 
as  the  British  .government  well  knew  would  treat  the 
Yankee  prisoners  as  b»d  as  they  did  them  outlandish 
Frenchmen ;  but  hark  'ee,  lad,  these  English  chaps  have 
not  got  Frenchmen  to  deal  with,  for  the  Yankees  some 
how  or  other  have  humbled  their  pride  on  the  salt 
water,  as  well  as  on  the  land." 

"  The  English  government,"  replied  the  young  sea 
man,  "  are  bound  to  detain  the  American  prisoners, 
until  they  are  demanded  by  our  agent.  It  is  true  that 
he  is  very  slow  in  making  the  necessary  provisions 
for  cartels,  to  convey  the  prisoners  to  the  United  States  ; 
but  this  is  in  accordance  with  all  his  acts,  in 
the  agency,  for  which  he  is  employed  by  the  United 
States  government  in  reference  to  the  prisoners  of  war 
in  England.  I  have  understood  that  in  all  his  opera 
tions  he  is  connected  with  a  Jew,  and  that  at  this  very 
time,  instead  of  procuring  ships,  to  release  the  unfortu- 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  869 

nate  prisoners  with  as  much  despatch  as  possible,  they 
are  making  it  a  matter  of  gain  to  themselves,  when  they 
ought  faithfully  to  attend  to  the  comfort  of  those  men, 
who  have  suffered  so  long  in  this  prison. 

"  Thus  it  was  when  the  prisoners  were  suffering  from 
the  scanty  allowance  of  food  received  from  the  British 
government.  Letter  after  letter  was  sent  to  him,  to 
make  application  to  our  government  for  an  additional 
supply  of  provisions,  or  a  monthly  stipend,  so  as  to  save 
them  from  actual  starvation ;  instead,  however,  of 
attending  to  this  immediately,  as  it  ought  to  have  been 
done,  it  was  delayed  for  months,  and  the  consequence 
was,  as  you  know,  great  suffering  among  the  prisoners ; 
and  you  recollect,  they  were  so  much  exasperated,  that 

when  Mr.  B came  down  from  London,  to  inform 

the  prisoners  that  our  government  had  made  arrange 
ments  to  allow  each  man  seven  and  sixpence  per  month, 
that  he  dare  not  come  into  the  prison-yard." 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

THE  MASSACRE  — BOATSWAIN'S  LEG  SHOT  OFF. 

IT  now  becomes  the  painful  duty  of  the  writer  of 
these  pages  to  record  -that  which  he  would  have  wil 
lingly  been  spared,  and  which  calls  up  associations  of 
the  most  melancholy  nature.  The  many  who  have  read 
the  history  of  those  times,  know  there  was  a  massacre 
of  the  American  prisoners  in  confinement  at  Dartmoor ; 
but  beyond  this,  little  is  known ;  all  is  in  apparent 
darkness,  without  the  seeming  possibility  of  the  circum 
stances  attending  this  fatal  event,  being  ever  cleared 
of  the  obscurity  with  which  they  are  so  mysteriously 
enshrouded  ;  or,  that  a  full  and  satisfactory  explanation 
can  be  given  to  the  public,  why  these  captive  Americans 
were  murdered  in  cold  blood.  If  it  is  asked  why  the 
prisoners  at  Dartmoor  were  fired  upon  ?  the  common 
answer  is,  "  The^were  digging  out,"  and  the  garrison 
were  forced  to  fire  upon  them,  being  justified  for  the 
measure  by  military  usage.  In  my  endeavors  to  bring 
this  horrible  affair  before  the  reader,  let  it  not  be  sup 
posed  that  I  shall  entirely  clear  up  that  mystery  after 
thirty  years.  It  is  presumed  that  at  the  time  the  in 
vestigation  was  going  on,  and  the  inquiries  were  making, 
3TO 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  371 

from  the  military  platform,  facing  prison-yard  No.  7,  too 
little  credit  was  given  to  what  the  prisoners  said  in  evi 
dence.  It  is  a  fact  that  cannot  he  contradicted,  the 
strongest  testimony  which  could  be  brought  forward  by 
the  aggrieved,  met  with  as  little  respect  as  circumstan 
tial  evidence,  and  far  less  than  the  hap-hazard  asser 
tions  from  the  side  of  the  aggressors.  The  prisoners 
were  looked  upon,  not  only  by  the  British  officers  who 
were  carrying  on  the  investigation,  but  (with  a  single 
exception,)  by  those  who,  if  possessing  any  national 
feelings  in  common  with  their  countrymen,  might  be 
supposed  to  hear  alike  both  sides,  as  felons  too  low  in 
the  scale  of  society  to  be  entitled  to  the  least  credit ; 
whether  on  oath  or  not,  they  were  all  discredited,  or 
heard  but  not  listened  to.  Surely  out  of  six  thousand 
men,  there  must  have  been  some  who  held  an  oath  in 
reverence  ;  all  were  not  cut-throats  and  robbers, 
ready  to  swear  away  the  life  of  a  fellow  mortal,  or  use 
the  more  summary  process  of  the  knife.  The  affidavits 
on  the  part  of  the  prisoners  went  positively  to  show 
that  Shortland  did  give  the  word  to  fire ;  while  the 
strongest  evidence  on  the  other  side  only  said,  "  They 
did  not  hear  him  order  the  soldiers  to  fire,  although  the 
word  was  given  by  some  one."  Who,  in  a  well-regu 
lated  corps,  would  dare  give  any  word  of  command, 
except  the  one  that  commanded?  Yet  the  official 
report,  which  exonerates  Shortland  from  any  blame,  ia 
based  upon  the  sentence,  "  No  evidence  is  shown  that 
he  gave  the  word  to  fire."  The  circumstances,  how 
ever,  which  led  to  this  cruel  and  bloody  outrage  may  bo 


$72  THE    AMERICAN     CRUISEK. 

attributed  to  the  malevolent  passions  and  bitter  feelings 
which  Shortland  had  toward  the  American  prisoners  j 
and  the  following  incident  afforded  him  ample  scope  to 
wreak i  his  vengeance,  and  which  finally  terminated  hi 
the  massacre. 

It  appears  that  an  American  privateer  had  captured 
a  British  merchant  schooner,  on  board  of  which  she  put 
four  men  as  a  crew  to  work  her  into  port ;  she  was 
afterwards  fallen  in  with,  and  captured  by  a  British 
frigate,  who  put  on  board  of  her  a  prize-master  and 
crew,  and  took  the  Americans  on  board  of  the  frigate. 
Shortly  after  the  Englishmen  had  possession  of  the 
schooner,  they  discovered  fire  in  the  hold,  when  they 
immediately  hailed  the  frigate,  alleging  that  the 
Yankees  had  placed  matches  among  some  kegs  of 
powder,  with  the  intention  of  blowing  up  the  schooner 
and  all  on  board.  The  Americans,  four  in  number,  the 
names  of  whom  are  as  follows,  Simeon  Hays,  of  Balti 
more,  John  Miller,  Englishman,  James  Ricker,  and 
Elisha  Whitten,  of  Massachusetts,  were  immediately 
put  into  irons,  and  under  short  allowance  of  provisions, 
carried  into  England,  when  the  British  authorities  or 
dered  them  to  be  kept  in  confinement  during,  the  war. 
They  were  sent  to  the  prisons  at  Dartmoor,  with  in 
structions  to  the  commandant  of  the  depot,  Shortland, 
to  see  that  the  sentence  was  fully  carried  into  effect. 
During  their  confinement,  much  sympathy  was  mani 
fested  for  their  sufferings,  by  those  at  large  in  the 
prisons,  and  relief  given  by  subscriptions,  which  was 
conveyed  to  them  clandestinely,  through  the  agency  of 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  878 

their  kind  and  generous  hearted  jailor,  Carley,  an  Irish 
man,  with  Irish  warmth  of  feelings  for  those  in  distress, 
•who  never  let  an  opportunity  slip  without  administering 
to  their  comfort,  when  it  was  possible  to  avoid  the  lynx 
eyes  of  his  superior,  the  Commandant,  who  was  deter 
mined  to  carry  his  orders  to  the  utmost  extent  of 
severity.  For  the  first  four  months  they  never  had  a 
light ;  but  afterwards  this  man  smuggled  to  them  candles 
regularly,  although  the  detection  deprived  him  of  his 
office.  After  these  men  had  suffered  solitary  confine 
ment  six  months,  their  sentence  was  so  far  mitigated,  as 
to  allow  them  to  walk  for  half  an  hour  each  day,  by  the 
side  of  the  sentries.  Whilst  walking,  much  curiosity 
was  manifested  by  the  other  prisoners  to  see  them, 
which  generally  called  to  the  gratings,  opposite  to  where 
the  men  were  walking,  a  crowd  of  some  two  or  three 
hundred.  The  cachet  being  situated  in  the  space  be 
tween  the  circular  picket  grating  and  the  inner  wall, 
means  were  found  to  communicate  with  these  unfortu 
nates,  (for  they  were  allowed  conversation  with  none,) 
and  a  plan  adopted  for  one  or  more  of  them  to  escape  to 
the  prisons,  within  the  picket  fence.  But  they  reso 
lutely  refused  to  come  into  measures  that  could  in  any 
wise  compromise  their  philanthropic  jailor.  Sunday, 
however,  he  would  be  absent,  as  he  was  a  strict  church 
man,  and  never  missed  his  hour  at  the  morning  service. 
The  four  men  were  permitted  to  walk  as  heretofore,  but 
they  were  more  closely  watched  than  usual,  till  their 
time  had  nearly  expired,  when  Simeon  Hays,  after  fol 
lowing  closely  in  the  footsteps  of  one  of  the  four  sen- 

82 


374  THU    AMERICAN    CRUISEK. 

tries,  till  the  others  turned  to  retrace  their  steps,  in 
their  to  and  fro  marchings,  (with  their  faces  opposite  to 
the  prisoner,)  jumped  to  the  gratings,  nimbly  reached 
the  top,  and  threw  himself  headlong  amidst  the  gath 
ered  crowd  on  the  opposite  side,  escaping  the  shot  with 
which  the  sentry  from  the  wall  saluted  him,  as  he  was 
making  his  daring  pitch.  This  occurred  the  last  of 
February,  or  the  first  week  in  March.  The  escaped 
repaired  to  No.  1  prison ;  but  as  means  were  .immedi 
ately  adopted  to  have  him  ferreted  out,  he  was  trans 
ferred  to  No.  4,  and  metamorphosed  into  a  darkey,  to 
correspond  with  his  associate  mess.  Next  morning  the 
doors  were  all  kept  closed  till  the  inmates  were  counted 
out  singly,  with  the  jailor  in  attendance  to  identify  his 
lost  bird  ;  but  none  could  he  see,  who  at  all  corres 
ponded  with  the  one  he  had  waited  on  for  the  last  nine 
months.  After  counting  out  the  men  singly,  perambu 
lating  the  prisons  and  yards  continually,  for  some  days, 
'and  every  other  means  had  failed  of  identifying  the 
man,  an  order  came  from  the  Commandant,  peremp 
torily  demanding  the  prisoners  to  give  up  Hays,  with  a 
threat  that  the  market  should  be  stopped  for  the  space 
of  ten  days.  The  crier  paraded  the  buildings,  begin 
ning  with  No.  1,  and  going  through  them  all  in  regular 
succession,  saying,  "  Shall  the  prisoner,  Simeon  Hays, 
be  given  up,  to  be  again  sent  to  the  cachet  ?  aye  or 
no!"  "No,  no!  never!"  resounded  from  every 
quarter  ;  not  a  voice  among  the  six  thousand  was  heard 
to  respond  "  Aye." 

The  threat  of  Shortland  was  carried  into  effect,  and 


THE    AMERICAN    CRU1SEJI.  375 

the  market  suddenly  closed.      Thus  all  within  the  pri- 
sous  were  deprived  of  every  thing  but  their  bare  allow 
ance.     In  the  mean  time  the  jailor  was  busily  peram 
bulating  the  yards  and  searching  the  prisons,  doing  his 
best  to  gain  his  lost  reputation,  by  securing  the  man 
who  had  escaped  from  his  charge,  while  he  was  away 
from  his  post.     The  hour  he  was  spending  in  devotional 
piety  was  no  excuse  in  the  eyes  of  Captain  Shortland 
for  what  occurred  during  Ms  absence.     From  a  cause 
.not  known,  but  it  was  supposed  some  one  had  given  the 
information  witk  the  hope  of  gaining  the  offered  reward, 
(had  the  informant  been  found  out,  his  expected  reward 
would  have  done  him  but  little  good,)  the  fugitive  was 
traced  to  No.  5,  whose  numbers  were  again  counted 
out,  with  as  little  effect  towards  his  recognition  as  when 
he  was  under  the  covering  of  the  cook's  smut  in  No. 
4.     Here  he  passed  all  the  grades  of  coloring  from  that 
of  his  own  skin  to  the  tanny  red  of  the  Indian,  which, 
under  the  atmosphere  of  the  dangerous  territories  he 
was  in,  was  soon  again  darkened  to  the  blackamoor 
of  the  African  wilds.      His  dress  was,  also,  as  change- 
able  as  his  skin  ;  for  what  was  becoming  as  a  morning 
suit,  was  not  'fashionable  for  a  dinner  full  dress,  and 
that  again  had  to  give  place  to  the  fanciful  rug  suit  of 
some   waggish    handicraftsman,    making    the    wearer 
a  very  scaramouch,  beyond  the  penetrating  eyes  of  the 
jailor  or  his  hard  hearted  senior  in  command,  (who,  in 
their  passage,  were  often  jostled  by  the  acting  clown, 
with  a  facetious  salutation  peculiar  to  his  nature,)  even 


376  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

should  the  latter  begin  with  his  scrutiny  before  his  after 
dinner  libations  made  him  less  sharp. 

Affairs  appeared  to  be  rapidly  approximating  towards 
a  conflict  in  No.  5,  by  the  prisoners  refusing  to  go  out 
when  ordered,  for  the  purpose  of  a  more  thorough 
search ;  and  the  fear  of  the  more  orderly  portion  were 
nowise  lessened,  when  a  body  of  fifty  or  sixty  soldiers 
were  marched  in,  with  commands  to  drive  all  out  to  a 
man,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  An  order  easily 
issued,  but  difficult  to  be  carried  into  execution ;  for 
wherever  a  squad  of  men  could  be  s^en  together,  a 
push  was  made  at  them  by  the  soldiers,  who  followed 
them  through  the  long  allies,  up  one  flight  of  stairs, 
only  to  drive  down  the  other,  till  the  squad  dwindled 
into  nothingness,  after  many  had  displayed  their  agility 
in  the  chase,  before  the  soldiers'  front,  by  throwing 
somersets,  aping  the  frog  in  his  graceful  leaps,  or  using 
his  companion's  shoulders  as  a  vehicle  to  help  him  for 
ward  in  his  race,  having  ample  time  to  cheer  on  the 
others,  between  thumping  the  ribs  of  his  Rozinante,  and 
daiing  the  soldier  officer  to  bet  who  would  first  tire,  the 
rider,  the  ridden,  or  those  in  chase.  But  while  this 
crowd  was  dispersing,  a  much  larger  had -formed  in  the 
soldiers'  rear,  which  proved  far  more  annoying,  by  their 
whooping,  yelling,  bleating,  and  cutting  every  ridiculous 
figure  devils  in  human  shape  could  imagine.  Instead 
of  the  soldiers'  work  being  done  after  dispersing  the 
first  body,  they  had  now  to  change  fronts,  and  retrace 
the  same  ground  their  victory  had  so  lately  brought 
them  over,  and  with  the  like  success.  This  racing  back 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  377 

and  forth,  up  and  down,  to  and  fro,  the  turnkey  foresaw 
would  end  where  it  began,  only  that  the  soldiers  would 
become  too  much  blown  to  stand  guard  the  coming 
night,  and  forthwith  sounded  a  parley.  He  stated  to 
Capt.  Shortland,  that  the  prisoners  were  mostly  seamen, 
with  seamen's  propensities  and  prejudices,  who  would 
not  be  driven  by  soldiers  ;  but  if  he  were  permitted  to 
take  the  usual  course  of  clearing  the  prison,  he  would 
answer  for  it  that  they  should  go  out  quietly.  Short- 
land  withdrew  his  red-coats,  the  turnkey  blew  his  horn, 
told  the  prisoners  his  wishes,  and  in  twenty  minutes  not 
a  man  could  be  seen  within  the  building.  Had  a 
certain  stone  been  raised,  the  lost  would  have  been  dis 
covered,  coiled  hi  a  space  that  would  not  hold  a  tithe 
of  the  now  well-fed  proportions  of  mine  host  of  the  Bal 
timore  House.  No  sooner  did  Shortland  see  that  the 
prisoners  paid  more  respect  to  the  turnkey's  requests, 
than  they  had  to  his  threats  and  commands,  backed  by 
his  company  of  red-coats,  than  he  furiously  .swore  that 
they  should  return  to  the  inside  of  the  building,  therein 
be  locked  close,  and  kept  without  water,  till  they  con 
sented  to  give  the  man  up.  To  do  without  water  the 
prisoners  knew  was  impossible  ;  to  give  up  the  man  was 
not  only  backing  out,  but  it  would  be  breaking  a  pledge 
revolting  to  their  feelings ;  and  to  avoid  the  disagree 
able  result  of  the  captain's  threatenings,  wa9  only  for 
them  to  remain  outside  where  the  water  was,  and  let 
the  choleric  captain  find  and  take  his  man  when  and 
where  he  could. 

As  the  crowd  wheeled  round  at  a  rapid  pace,  to  pass 

sr 


878  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

between  buildings  Nos.  5  and  6,  the  prisoners  being  in 
a  solid  body  of  from  one  to  two  thousand,  and  not  more 
than  ten  paces  in  advance  of  the  presented  muskets  of 
the  soldiers,  a  boy  caught  up  a  stone,  turned,  and  threw 
it  directly  at  Shortland's  head,  with  all  the  force  his 
young  strength  could  give  it.  The  stone  passed  as 
near  the  cheek  of  Shortland  as  possible  without  grazing 
it.  He  halted  his  men  instanter,  and  quick  as  thought 
gave  the  word  to  fire,  as  distinctly  as  the  extremely  agi 
tated  state  of  his  mind  would  admit.  There  stood 
within  twelve  paces,  the  whole  of  that  solid  body,  which 
the  soldiers  were  trying  to  scatter,  and  who  now  were 
faced  about,  looking  unconcernedly  upon  the  presented 
muskets  of  those  that  had  the  word  to  fire.  The  officer 
in  command  of  the  company  stepped  forward,  as  soon 
as  he  heard  the  word  given  out,  waved  the  muskets  up 
with  his  unsheathed  sword,  with  as  much  military 
suavity  of  deportment  and  coolness  of  action,  as 
though  he  was  on  drill  duty  under  the  eye  of  the 
Prince  Regent.  Shortland  threw  up  his  extended 
arm  and  cane,  to  give  greater  force  to  the  command, 
and  said  as  loud  as  he  could  screech,  "  Fire ! 
you  rascals !  "  The  officer  again  threw  himself  immedi 
ately  before  his  line,  who  had  dropped  their  muskets 
once  more  to  the  level  of  their  cheeks,  'and  with  the 
.  authoritative^  "  As  you  were  !  "  prevented  the  effusion 
of  blood,  that  must  have  followed  the  carnage  of  so 
deadly  an  aim,  at  so  near  a  compact  body,  as  was 
standing  in  their  front.  Shortland  saw  that  his  orders 
were  not  obeyed,  turned  his  eyes  an  instant  to  the 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER*  879 

ground,  said  not  a  word,  but  left  the  yard  alone,  and 
was  shortly  afterwards  followed  by  the  company  of  sol 
diers,  without  being  at  all  molested  by  the  crowd  ;  nor 
did  the  latter  display  any  noisy  mirth,  or  show  the  least 
disrespect  at  the  former,  within  hearing,  while  passing 
out.  Had  the  command  to  fire  been  obeyed,  it  must 
have  killed  hundreds,  yet  there  would  have  been 
enough  remaining  to  have  riven  the  hearts  from  their 
murderers,  before  reloading,  if  no  better  weapons 
offered  than  the  teeth  of  the  aggrieved. 

There  was  not  the  least  doubt,  but  from  Shortland's 
manner  at  the  above  scene  in  the  yard,  that  his  mind 
was  made  up  to  be  revenged  upon  the  prisoners  at  the 
first  opportunity,  and  at  the  slightest  infringement  of 
the  prison  regulations  ;  and  that  period,  those  of  more 
reflective  minds  saw,  could  not  be  far  distant,  with  the 
present  excitement  the  prisoners  were  laboring  under, 
which  was  brought  about  by  various  causes.  The  prin 
cipal  of  these  Avere  the  withholding  of  tobacco  money, 
the  men  being  retained  in  prison  after  peace  was  pro 
claimed,  the  stoppage  of  the  market,  and  the  harsh 
treatment  of  being  driven  about  like  condemned  crimi 
nals,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  when  they  would  and 
did  willingly  submit  to  such  restrictive  regulations  as  the 
civil  authorities  prescribed.  A  few  days  after  these 
events,  the  friends  of  Hays  met  to  commemorate  the 
successful  manner  they  had  frustrated  the  intentions  of 
Shortland  of  securing  his  stray  prisoner.  After  the 
toasts  had  all  been  expended,  the  escaped,  thinking  still 
his  disguise  was  sufficient  to  deceive  the  jailor's"  scrutiny, 


380  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

became  daring,  ventured  into  the  yard,  was  recognized 
and  apprehended.  He  was  sent  back  to  the  cachet,  but 
Buffered  a  nominal  punishment  of  only  ten  days'  confine* 
ment ;  after  which  he  was  liberated,  and  soon  left  the 
prisons. 

From  this  time,  eight  or  ten  days  previous  to  the 
massacre,  the  prisoners  were  not  interfered  with  or 
molested,  but  were  allowed  to  pursue  their  own  course, 
which  made  many  believe  that  those  who  had  the  com 
mand  were  afraid  to  carry  any  harsh  measure  into  ef 
fect.  This  caused  the  unruly  to  be  more  arrogant,  and 
they  showed  less  willingness  to  submit  to  the  rules 
under  which  they  were  to  be  governed,  than  before  any 
misunderstanding  had  taken  place  between  themselves 
and  the  authorities  of  the  depot.  With  one  of  better 
temper  than  Shortland,  all  collision  might  easily  have 
been  avoided,  without  endangering  his  standing  as  a 
military  jailor,  or  lessening  his  renown,  by  not  shedding 
the  blood  of  unarmed  prisoners  of  war. 

Notice  came  on  the  third  of  April,  that,  in  future, 
half  the  quantity  of  hard  biscuit  would  be  given  to  the 
prisoners  in  lieu  of  the  hard  bread  they  had  been  re 
ceiving.  The  prisoners  were  asked  in  the  usual  way 
by  the  crier,  whether  they  were  willing  to  receive  three 
fourths  of  a  pound  of  hard  stale  biscuit,  instead  of  the 
pound  and  a  half  of  fresh  bread  they  had  been  accus 
tomed  to  receive,  merely  to  enable  the  contractor  to  be 
rid  of  an  unsaleable  article.  The  answer  Avas  unani 
mously,  "  No !  no !  never  !"  Orders  were  given  to  the 
cooks  to  demand  such  bread  as  they  had  always  receiv- 

V  tf 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  381 

ed,  on  the  following  morning,  and  refuse  the  biscuit. 
This  was  strictly  adhered  to.  Many  of  the  prisoners 
showed  symptoms  of  riot,  especially  those  who  had  only 
their  rations  to  subsist  on,  and  their  numbers  increased 
as  the  day  advanced,  which  the  officer  on  duty  saw,  as 
was  evident  by  his  doubling  the  guard  in  the  market 
square,  Ihe  principal  scene  of  noise  and  disorder  during 
market  hours.  At  eight  o'clock  at  night,  the  Rough 
Allies  had  congregated  about  the  market  to  the  number 
of  hundreds,  when  they,  at  their  watchword,  "  kews," 
by  their  united  strength  levelled  the  gate  to  the  ground, 
leaving  a  free  passage  through  the  square  to  the  store 
house  above.  Their  cry  was,  "  bread  !  bread !  give  us 
our  bread  !"  The  garrison  were  alarmed,  the  officers 
came  out,  begged  them  to  be  peaceable,  that  they 
should  have  their  bread  as  soon  as  it  could  be  obtained, 
and  if  possible  during  the  night.  The  prisoners  saw 
the  advantage  they  had  gained  (by  those  in  command 
exhibiting  a  fear  or  panic  beyond  their  control)  and 
would  not  leave  the  square,  but  remained  for  the  most 
part  quiet,  with  the  exception  of  an  occasional  whoop, 
yell,  or  other  noisy  vociferation,  as  ever  emanates  from 
a  disorderly  crowd  which  has  in  any  way  gained  its 
point. 

At  ten  o'clock  the  bread  was  given  to  the  cooks  as 
usual,  from  them  distributed  to  the  different  messes 
throughout  the  prisons,  and  all  retired  quietly  to  rest, 
after  being  locked  up  as  heretofore.  Had  the  officer  in 
command  ordered  his  men  to  keep  back  the  rioters  at  all 
hazard,  as  they  were  forcing  their  way  through  the  gate, 


382  THE  'AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

he  would  have  been  perfectly  justified,  for  it  lay  within 
the  bounds  of  his  duty ;  but  he  relied  upon  the  strength 
of  those  ponderous  barriers,  which  gave  way  ere  he  sup 
posed  an  effort  was  in  agitation  to  remove  them,  and 
before  he  could  rally  the  soldiers,  the  square  was  filled 
with  a  half-famished,  angry,  overwhelming  crowd,  which 
it  would  have  been  dangerous  in  him  to  attempt  to 
drive  back  with  the  force  at  hand,  although  amply  suffi 
cient  to  hold  in  check,  before  gaining  the  square.  The 
sixth  of  April  was  unusually  pleasant,  a  circumstance 
so  seldom  that  most  of  the  prisoners  were  enjoying 
themselves  out  of  doors;  as  best  they  could  ;  a  number 
were  playing  ball  against  the  cross  wall,  dividing  the 
barrack  yard  from  that  of  No.  7.  Among  this  party 
were  four  who  had  been  captured  when  on  boat  duty, 
and  belonging  to  Commodore.  Chauncey's  ship  Superior, 
on  Lake  Ontario.  They  were  no  ways  riotous,  but  were 
known  throughout  the  prison  for  being,  in  seamen's 
phrase,  "  ready  dogs  and  ripe  for  fun."  In  the  course 
of  the  play,  the  ball  was  often  thrown  by  accident  over 
the  wall,  in  the  barrack  yard,  and  for  some  time  was  as 
often  thrown  back  by  the  sentry  on  the  other  side,  till 
he  through  sulkiness  refused  to  toss  it  again  to  the 
players.  They  tried  to  persuade  him  to  give  it  to  them, 
as  it  was  the  only  one  they  had,  it  affording  them 
amusement  and  recreation,  arid  lessened  the  tediousness 
of  their  captivity.  The  only  answer  they  could  get 
from  the  sulky  sentinel,  was  to  "  Come  and  take  it." 
This  they  considered  as  daring  them  to  do  it ;  and 
"  Chauncey's  Tigers  never  took  a  stump ;  "  at  it  they 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  383 

Went,  without  implements,  of^any  thing  except  what 
they  could  pick  up  in  the  yard,  and  in  full  view  of  the 
sentries  upon  the  walls  near  by.  No  notice  of  these 
doings  was  apparently  taken  by  the  officers  of  the  gar 
rison  ;  but  individuals  from  the  prison  of  No.  5  begged 
them  to  desist,  saying  they  were  bringing  not  only 
themselves  but  others  into  trouble  ;  as  the  innocent 
must  suffer,  if  a  conflict  was  brought  on,  by  their  in 
dulging  in  this  fool-hardy  frolic.  Those  engaged  at  the 
mischief,  thought  it  too  good  a  joke  to  leave  unfinished, 
and  kept  busily  at  their  digging,  till  the  hole  was  suffi 
ciently  large  to  allow  a  man  -to  pass  through.  The 
firing  now  commenced  in  the  market  square  from  a 
body  of  soldiers  headed  by  Shortland  in  person,  several 
rods  from  the  place  where  the  hole  was  made,  and  not 
the  least  endangering  those  who  were  the  alleged  cause 
of  the  massacre,  nor  was  any  one  hurt  within  the  range 
of  the  wall  that  was  picked.  An  increased  number  of 
soldiers  now  first  showed  themselves  upon  the  walls, 
overlooking  the  whole,  formed  into  squads,  who  kept  up 
a  constant  firing,  began  the  moment  the  reports  were 
heard  from  the  square,  and  continued  as  long  as  any 
prisoners  were  in  sight.  When  the  gate  opened  at  the 
upper  end  of  the  market,  to  allow  the  soldiers  to  enter, 
the  prisoners  at  the  opposite  end  supposed  them  to  be 
none  but  the  relief,  having  nothing  in  their  appearance 
to  indicate  any  other  object,  except  being  in  greater 
numbers  than  usual,  making  their  appearance  the 
moment  the  alarm  bell  was  rung,  and  accompanied  by 
Shortland.  Neither  were  the  prisoners  undeceived  in 


884  THE   AMERICAN   CRUISER. 

the  character  or  meanin^f  this  body,  until  they  formed 
a  close  front,  and  while  at  a  double  quick  step,  came  to 
a  charge  at  so  close  a  proximity,  that  those  in  front 
found  it  impossible  to  retreat  sufficiently  rapid,  to  keep 
clear  of  the  bayonets,  by  the  others  in  the  rear  stand 
ing  their  ground,  not  seeing  the  manoeuvre  of  the  sol 
diers,  and  consequently  knew  of  no  approaching  danger, 
till  Shortland  gave  the  word  to  fire.  So  little  did  this 
body  of  prisoners  suppose  they  were  in  peril,  that  one 
of  the  heroes  of  this  narrative,  the  noble  boatswain,  was 
carelessly  looking  through  the  gratings,  a  little  apart 
from  the  main  body,  nor  dreamed  his  person  was  in 
jeopardy,  till  the  squad  of  soldiers  approached,  one 
pointed  his  musket  downwards,  within  a  foot  of  his 
knee,  and  blew  all  below  to  a  jelly,  splintering  and  mang 
ling  the  thigh  above  in  a  horrible  manner,  almost  beyond 
the  hope  of  cure,  till  the  third  amputation  alone  staid 
mortification. 

The  whole  number  injured  never  can  be  ascertained, 
as  the  report  came  from  the  hospital,  immediately  under 
the  direction  of  Shortland ;  according  to  the  report 
which  was  made  out,  there  were  five  killed,  and  thirty- 
nine  wounded  —  two  dying  before  or  immediately  after 
their  dressings,  while  the' one  that  came  from  the  com 
mittee  of  the  prisoners,  since  published,  made  the  killed 
seven,  and  the  wounded  fifty-six.  Thus  ended  one  of 
the  most  disgraceful  and  inhuman  massacres,  that  was 
ever  perpetrated  by  any  civilized  nation,  and  will  for 
ever  remain  an  eternal  blot  on  the  escutcheon  of  British 
history. 


CHAPTER    XXXVIH. 


CONCLUSION. 


MORE  than  thirty  years  have  elapsed  since  the  scenes 
recorded  in  the  preceding  chapter  were  enacted.  After 
so  great  a  lapse  of  time,  it  must  occur  to  every  one 
that  it  is  impossible,  in  view  of  the  many  changes,  to 
give  a  detailed  history  of  any  of  its  actors  ;  but  as  the 
reader  perhaps  may  be  curious  to  know  what  became 
of  the  two  messmates,  that  curiosity  shall  be  gratified 
so  far  as  the  author  is  able,  premising,  however,  that 
in  regard  to  the  young  seaman,  he  cannot  undertake  to 
vouch,  because  his  information  was  received  from  ver 
bal  statements  ;  but  in  reference  to  the  boatswain  his 
knowledge  is  personal. 

About  seventy  miles  northward  of  the  third  principal 
seaport  in  the  United  States,  there  is  a  beautiful  nour 
ishing  town,  in  the  state  of  New  Hampshire.  Its 
population  at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  was  about  ten 
thousand.  Its  importance  may  be  seen  from  the  fact 
that  it  has  a  court  house,  jail,  &c.,  and  all  the  business 
of  the  county,  in  this  department,  is  here  transacted. 
Through  this  place  lies  the  direct  reute  from  all  the 
upper  part  of  the  State,  as  well  as  that  of  Vermont,  and 
33  385 


£80  THE    AMERICAN 


that  portion  of  Canada  which  borders  on  the  last  men 
tioned  State.  It  is  a  place  of  considerable  business, 
and  is  brisk  and  lively  during  every  part  of  the  year, 
but  more  especially  in  the  winter  months,  or  during 
"  sleighing."  In  the  eastern  part  of  this  beautiful 
place,  at  the  precincts,  may  be  seen  a  lot  of  ground 
perfectly  level,  nearly  enclosed  with  iron  railings  ;  it  is 
of  a  quadrangular  form,  and  surrounded  with  trees, 
which  presents  to  the  eye  an  air  of  simplicity  and  beau 
ty,  and  inspires  the  heart  with  a  solemnity  bordering 
upon  melancholy,  not  unusual,  however,  when  we  be 
hold  the  place  appropriated  for  the  repository  of  the 
dead.  Nearly  in  the  centre  of  this  silent  retreat  may 
be  seen  two  mounds  or  graves,  with  plain  white  marble 
slabs  at  the  extreme  end  of  each,  both  of  which  are 
enclosed  with  a  plain  white  railing.  They  are  over 
spread  with  flowers.  Here  may  be  seen  the  damask 
rose  sending  forth  its  fragrance,  while  the  snow  white 
and  deep  red  vied  with  each  other  in  brilliancy  and 
odor,  as  if  to  relieve  the  mind  from  the  melancholy 
which  is  induced  by  the  sight  of  the  bending  bougha 
and  branches  of  the  weeping  willow,  which  nearly  sur 
rounds  the  graves. 

Beneath  one  of  the  enclosed  mounds  lies  the  remains 
of  the  young  seaman  ;  and  that  by  his  side  is  the  young 
lady  to  whom  he  was  under  promise  of  marriage,  and 
whose  melancholy  decease  we  have  recorded.  About 
three  months  after  the  calamitous  events  which  took 
place  at  Dartmoor  prison,  the  two  messmates  were  sent 
home  in  a  cartel  to  the  United  States.  The  younger 


THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER.  387 

was  indefatigable  in  his  attentions  and  kindness  to  the 
boatswain,  during  his  confinement  in  the  hospital  with  his 
amputated  leg  ;  nor  were  their  reciprocal  kindnesses  les 
sened  during  their  passage  ;  upon  their  arrival,  however, 
the  maimed  condition  of  the  boatswain  excluded  him 
from  following  an  ocean  life  for  a  maintenance.  Al 
though  their  friendship  was  unabated,  yet  of  necessity 
theyhad  to  separate,  and  indeed  it  seemed  providential, 
as  it  is  highly  probable,  from  the  strength  of  their 
mutual  attachment,  had  it  not  been  for  the  boatswain's 
misfortune,  they  would  have  continued  to  sail  together, 
in  the  same  relations  as  heretofore. 

Shortly  after  peace,  in  accordance  with  the  opinion 
suggested  by  the  boatswain,  he  entered  into  the  naval 
service  of  the  United  States  ;  here  was  a  theatre  in 
which  he  was  destined  by  his  seamanship  and  talents 
soon  to  become  an  honor  to  the  service  ;  and  no  doubt  if 
he  had  not  become  a  martyr  to  that  incurable  disease, 
pulmonary  consumption,  his  name  and  character  would 
by  this  time  have  stood  high  on  the  naval  list.  In  a  few 
years,  however,  his  services  in  the  navy  were  termi 
nated  ;  his  high,  chivalrous  bearing,  and  gentlemanly 
deportment,  commanded  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all 
with  whom  he  was  associated,  and  when  compelled  to 
abandon  his  profession  by  disease,  it  was  a  source  of 
deep  regret  to  all  who  knew  him.     It  may  be  supposed 
that  fce  sorrowful  associations  connected  with  his  native 
town,  would  have  induced  him  to  seek  some  other  spot, 
in  which  to  pass  away  the  last  hours  of  his  life  ;  it  was 
not  so,  however.     Immediately  after  he  was  compelled 


888  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

to  return,  he  bent  his  way  to  the  place  of  his  nativity, 
and  there  lingered  a  few  short  months,  when  his  eventful 
and  sorrowful  life  was  terminated. 

After  the  separation  of  the  two  friends,  the  old  tar 
was  for  some  time  located  in  the  famous  sailors'  retreat, 
a  place  well  known  as  appropriated  for  invalided  sea 
men  ;  his  active  spirit,  however,  could  not  remain  in 
idleness.  He  soon  left  this  asylum  and  went  to  the  city 
of  New  York  ;  unfortunately,  however,  he  was  now 
without  the  example  and  guidance  of  his  faithful  young 
messmate  ;  their  separation  also  had  a  very  great  effect 
upon  his  mind,  which  was  not  the  strongest,  and  al 
though  he  was  naturally  of  a  noble  and  generous  dis 
position,  yet  for  the  want  of  a  good  star  to  direct  him, 
as  well  as  a  better  education,  he  ultimately  fell  a  victim 
to  pernicious  example,  and  at  length  became  a  slave  to 
the  intoxicating  bowl. 

In  one  of  our  southern  seaports  may  be  seen  located, 
on  a  beautiful  rising  ground,  a  large  and  splendid 
building,  designed  and  appropriated  as  an  infirmary  for 
sick  and  disabled  seamen.  Strangers  and  visitors  view 
ing  this  building  are  introduced  to  a  large  and  spacious 
room ;  this  is  the  sick  seamen's  ward,  and  although  it  is 
not  very  pleasant  to  behold  so  many  human  beings,  suf 
fering  from  various  diseases,  yet  the  neatness  and  clean 
liness,  as  well  as  the  comfort  which  appears  to  reign 
throughout  this  apartment,  very  much  alleviates  the 
painful  feelings  occasioned  by  the  visit,  when  it  is  recol 
lected  that  the  inmates  are  the  weather-beaten  sons  of 
the  ocean.  There  is  another  room  on  the  south  side  of 


THE    AMERICAS     CRUISER.  389 

this  building,  which  is  appropriated  for  seamen  who 
have  lost  any  of  their  limbs,  and  are  unequal  to  the 
task  of  procuring  their  own  support,  and  also  for  those 
•who  are  laboring  under  mental  aberration ;  here,  or  in 
some  part  of  the  extensive  ground  connected  with  the 
building,  may  be  seen,  walking  with  a  stick,  to  support 
a  frame  that  has  but  one  leg,  a  venerable  seaman,  whose 
hoary  hairs  indicate  that  the  frosts  of  many  winters  had 
passed  over  his  head,  while  a  casual  observer  would  im 
mediately  discover  that  reason  was  dethroned,  and  that 
the  unfortunate  being  who  stood  before  him  was  in  a 
state  of  idiocy.  This  man  had  possessed  for  many 
years  a  strong  and  vigorous  constitution,  and  although 
he  had  been  intemperate,  yet  his  iron,  nerves  for  a  long 
time  resisted  the  baneful  effects  of  alcohol ;  at  length, 
however,  nature  gave  way,  and  he  was  seized  not  only 
with  delirium  tremens,  but  also  with  a  violent  nervous 
fever.  In  this  condition  he  lingered  for  months  ;  and 
when  he  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  walk,  you 
might  have  seen  the  harmless  idiot,  in  the  person  of  the 
once  noble  and  generous  boatswain,  the  friend  and  mess* 
mate  of  the  manly  and  chivalrous  young  seaman. 

The  author  has  now  finished  his  narrative,  and  if  the 
object  which  has  induced  him,  (at  least  in  part,)  to 
write  these  pages,  shall  be  accomplished,  it  will  afford 
him  a  high  degree  of  gratification.  It  may  be  asked, 
however,  by  some,  if  there  were  any  other  motives 
except  to  serve  his  pecuniary  interest :  in  regard  to  that 
question,  he  is  not  disposed  to  disguise  the  truth ;  but 
83* 


890  THE    AMERICAN    CRUISER. 

there  is  another  object,  which  the  reflecting  reader,  after 
he  carefully  peruses  these  pages,  will  not  be  at  a  loss  to 
discover.  He  will  perceive  first,  that  too  much  indul 
gence  on  the  part  of  parents  to  their  offspring,  is  a 
weakness,  and  that  so  far  from  making  them  wise  or 
happy,  it  generally  leads  to  an  opposite  result.  He  will 
also  learn  that  even  wealth,  with  all  the  advantages  of 
a  good  education,  unless  they  are  turned  into  the 
channel  of  virtue  and  obedience,  will  procure  during  a 
whole  life,  a  train  of  unhappiness  and  sorrow ;  thus  it 
was  in  the  case  of  the  young  seaman.  His  dereliction 
from  the  path  of  rectitude,  when  he  first  set  out  in  the 
world,  the  loss  of  his  reputation,  his  dissipation  and 
gaming,  which  ultimately  were  the  cause  of  the  prema 
ture  death  of  his  honored  parents,  and  ruined  him  at  last, 
was  not  all,  for  the  associations  of  the  past  produced 
unfeigned  sorrow  and  regret,  consequently  he  was 
obliged  to  leave  the  place  of  his  nativity,  to  regain  if 
possible  a  ruined  character ;  and  although  his  general 
deportment  after  this  was  above  reproach,  yet  one  more 
false  step  plunged  him  into  the  deepest  sorrow,  and 
blasted  his  happiness  for  ever. 

In  regard  to  the  boatswain,  although  naturally  pos 
sessed  of  a  noble  and  generous  but  uncultivated  mind, 
he  too  is  a  fearful  monument  of  the  effects  of  the  demon 
intemperance  ;  and  if  perchance  any  son  of  the  ocean 
should  read  this  narrative,  he  may  be  taught  a  lesson, 
by  the  melancholy  condition  of  the  boatswain,  to  avoid 
the  rock  on  which  so  many  weather  beaten  sons  of  the 
sea  have  been  cast  away. 


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